Phone Privacy

For John, BLUF:  I know, you think the Gov't already has all this info and are just looking for a legit way to disclose it.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Justice Dept. Revives Push to Mandate a Way to Unlock Phones

From The Old Gray Lady, by Mr Charlie Savage, 24 March 2018.

Here is the lede plus two:

Federal law enforcement officials are renewing a push for a legal mandate that tech companies build tools into smartphones and other devices that would allow access to encrypted data in criminal investigations.

F.B.I. and Justice Department officials have been quietly meeting with security researchers who have been working on approaches to provide such “extraordinary access” to encrypted devices, according to people familiar with the talks.

Based on that research, Justice Department officials are convinced that mechanisms allowing access to the data can be engineered without intolerably weakening the devices’ security against hacking.

Well, except for what has been happening with Russiagate, where it seems the FBI and the larger DOJ have acted in ways unethical to violate the Fourth Amendment Rights of US Citizens.

Why would we think this technology wouldn't be abused?  Because Mr James Comey promised?  Please.

Regards  —  Cliff