Computer privacy -- can the government force you to decrypt?

[jks9199]

Interesting case here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20078312-281/doj-we-can-force-you-to-decrypt-that-laptop/

In brief, the feds are demanding authority to compel a suspect in a case involving a mortgage fraud case to decrypt a hard drive that they believe may contain evidence. It seems to boil down to whether the encryption key is comparable to a physical key, or if that code is more testimonial in nature, and thereby protected by the Fifth Amendment.

See also: http://www.crimlaw.blogspot.com/

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Sorry, I don't remember my encryption key. It's 300 characters long, and I misplaced the sticky note with directions to where I hid the thumb drive that listed the location of the SD card that contained the first half.

I blame old age and too much Scooby Doo for the memory loss.

 

[MA-Caver]

If it were child porn or terrorism or anything horrendous like that... yeah fine... but fricken mortgage fraud? C'mon fellas don't you have more dangerous criminals to root around for?

 

[rlobrecht]

but fricken mortgage fraud? C'mon fellas don't you have more dangerous criminals to root around for?

They definitely need to be preparing for the next round of Roger Clemens mistrials.

 

[granfire]

If it were child porn or terrorism or anything horrendous like that... yeah fine... but fricken mortgage fraud? C'mon fellas don't you have more dangerous criminals to root around for?

Considering that mortgage fraud got us into this heaping mess of an economic tail spin....I'd say give them the choice:
Encryption key or kiel-holen....

 

[Xue Sheng]

Folks, depending on what branch of the federal government we are talking about a decryption key means nothing. If they want info they will get it and that comes directly form a seminar I went to a few years back that was held by the NSA. Basically there is software out there that will crack the key but it is very expensive and generally only used by governments, ours not being the only one that uses it. A direct quote "If you do not want us to find data on your hard drive you are going to have to shred it and burn it"

Also just about every government office is now requiring encryption on all of its laptops

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Xue speaks correctly here!

 

[Tez3]

Well if it's not the government it's probably Rupert Murdoch's reporters who are hacking your phones and computers. Or phoning up your bank to get your banking details, or your lawyers to find out how much you paid for your house. I wouldn't worry about the government so much as News International.

 

[Xue Sheng]

Well if it's not the government it's probably Rupert Murdoch's reporters who are hacking your phones and computers. Or phoning up your bank to get your banking details, or your lawyers to find out how much you paid for your house. I wouldn't worry about the government so much as News International.

Oh you’re just saying that because it’s true