Chinese lawmakers consider tough penalties for hackers

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hackers trying to download information by manipulating or breaking into computers would face tough penalties under a draft amendment of the criminal law which is being debated by China's top legislature on Monday.

The draft amendment, which has been forwarded to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for review, also stipulates penalties for illegal private banks and for organizing pyramid sales.