Hacking a Car Could Get You Life in Prison
Hacking a car could result in serious jail time, thanks to new bills introduced in the Michigan Senate.
Car hacking became the center of attention when Wired published a story last year showing hackers remotely disabling a Jeep Cherokee while it drove on a St. Louis highway. Although the hack was an intentional test on behalf of the publication, it exposed flaws in the Jeep’s wireless systems. Earlier this year in February, Nissan found that its NissanConnect EV app could be remotely controlled as well.
SEE ALSO: 5 Legit Car Hacks You May Not Know That Actually Work
Senators Mike Kowall, R-White Lake, Ken Horn and R-Frankenmuth sponsored the first of what is expected to be numerous bills that would regulate Michigan’s emerging connected and autonomous vehicle industry. Under the bills introduced, life in prison would be on the table for hacking a car. Essentially it would be a felony to “intentionally access or cause access to be made to an electronic system of a motor vehicle to willfully destroy, damage, impair, alter or gain unauthorized control of the motor vehicle.”
“I hope that we never have to use it,” Kowall said. “That’s why the penalties are what they are. The potential for severe injury and death are pretty high.”
[Source: Automotive News]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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because baddies respect the law :)
Life in prison? That seems a bit harsh, like WAAAAY too much ...