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Internet Theft Bill Heads To House
By: Associated Press
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Ohio's Senate has voted to give the state's top lawyer more power to go after suspects in Internet theft cases.
The bill approved unanimously by the Senate on Wednesday gives the Ohio's attorney general the power to ask for citizen's phone and internet activity records, as well as online payment information in suspected internet fraud cases.
In 2010, 7,304 Ohioans reported losing more than $10 million in online thefts or scams. The attorney general's office says scammers often use websites like eBay and Craigslist to fleece people.
The bill now goes to the Ohio House.
American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Executive Director Chris Link says such measures make it easier for law enforcement to access personal information. Link says, with that access, the opportunities for police "shenanigans" increase exponentially.