A Digital Delima In Child Porn Case

[White Rain]

The federal government is asking a U.S. District Court in Vermont to order a man to type a password that would unlock files on his computer, despite his claim that doing so would constitute self-incrimination.
The case, believed to be the first of its kind to reach this level, raises a uniquely digital-age question about how to balance privacy and civil liberties against the government's responsibility to protect the public.
The case, which involves suspected possession of child pornography, comes as more Americans turn to encryption to protect the privacy and security of files on their laptops and thumb drives. FBI and Justice Department officials, meanwhile, have said that encryption is allowing terrorists and criminals to communicate their plots covertly.
more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22672241/

[Lola]

Originally Posted by White Rain

The federal government is asking a U.S. District Court in Vermont to order a man to type a password that would unlock files on his computer, despite his claim that doing so would constitute self-incrimination.
The case, believed to be the first of its kind to reach this level, raises a uniquely digital-age question about how to balance privacy and civil liberties against the government's responsibility to protect the public.
The case, which involves suspected possession of child pornography, comes as more Americans turn to encryption to protect the privacy and security of files on their laptops and thumb drives. FBI and Justice Department officials, meanwhile, have said that encryption is allowing terrorists and criminals to communicate their plots covertly.
more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22672241/

Interesting issue. Seems to me there are other ways to find out the sites this guy visited - his ISP, did he pay for photos etc. I hope the cops are trying more than just this one avenue.

[southcitymom]

Originally Posted by Lola

Interesting issue. Seems to me there are other ways to find out the sites this guy visited - his ISP, did he pay for photos etc. I hope the cops are trying more than just this one avenue.

That is a fascinating issue. I will be most interested to hear the court's decision.

[Filly]

WR, I've been following this case. I know this can't help and won't happen, but I thought leave me alone with this creep for about half an hour and he'd be typing in that super dooper code real quick. For the love of all things good in this world can't the louse just give the code?

[believe09]

For the same reason Duncan is not about to give the passwords to unencrypt his laptop-it is self incrimination. I think that this case is a back door to another Patriot Act/Homeland Security effort to make further inroads into privacy. I don't think the lunatic should be compelled-yes I think his potential crime is heinous, just like we all know that Duncan's laptop will most likely contain "snuff films" of his child murders, as well as the names of people he sent them to. But just because there are a few very bad people out there doesn't mean I am going to invite the Government into every aspect of my life...JMO.

[pixies]

I cannot believe our cyber people cannot get into this laptop. He does not deserve protection. He is a monster and should be treated as such.

[White Rain]

Originally Posted by pixies

I cannot believe our cyber people cannot get into this laptop. He does not deserve protection. He is a monster and should be treated as such.

I couldn't agree more.

[Filly]

Originally Posted by believe09

For the same reason Duncan is not about to give the passwords to unencrypt his laptop-it is self incrimination. I think that this case is a back door to another Patriot Act/Homeland Security effort to make further inroads into privacy. I don't think the lunatic should be compelled-yes I think his potential crime is heinous, just like we all know that Duncan's laptop will most likely contain "snuff films" of his child murders, as well as the names of people he sent them to. But just because there are a few very bad people out there doesn't mean I am going to invite the Government into every aspect of my life...JMO.

Then that's the price we all have to pay, Believe. We want our privacy then creeps like that guy don't give up the password.

[MeoW333]

Why can't LE just get a hacker to get into it?

[Filly]

Originally Posted by MeoW333

Why can't LE just get a hacker to get into it?

Oh that'd be against the law wouldn't it, Meow. I kind of thought the same thing. One of these brainyard kids out there could do it I bet. They are master minds with the hacking stuff.

[southcitymom]

Originally Posted by pixies

I cannot believe our cyber people cannot get into this laptop. He does not deserve protection. He is a monster and should be treated as such.

I'm with you on the not getting in thing - I would think any hacker worth his salt could get into someone's laptop in about 2 minutes!

However, like believe09, I place a lot of importance on privacy and want the laws protecting that to be available to all of us - saints and sinners.