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Magic Lantern

2001-11-28 18:04:16+00 by Dan Lyke 6 comments

I've been so completely utterly disgusted by the actions of the U.S. Government recently that I've tried to tune out the continual encroachment on freedom. But the whole FBI "Magic Lantern" thing is yet another reminder that when 13 year olds do it, it's terrorism, when out-of-control government agencies with histories of badly abusing any special privileges we give them do it, it's for our own good. The idea is that there'll be a government sponsored worm that'll stuff itself in via known security exploits to directly capture keystrokes on target computers. Symantec has said that their anti-virus software will specifically not find it, McAfee has apparently flip-flopped on the issue. Luckily, we'll have the SSCA to protect us, expect the use of Linux to be considered evidence of illegal activity and grounds for a search within a year or two.

[ related topics: Free Software Privacy virus Open Source Free Speech Current Events Law Enforcement Civil Liberties ]

comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment made: 2001-11-28 21:38:14+00 by: JustinThyme [edit history]

I just posted a rant on Justin's Journal about this. Personally, I don't mind the FBI building these tools. There are times when they are legitimately needed and they can be legally used, given that the proper procedure is followed. What bothers me is the apparent enthusiasm that Symantec is showing in cooperating with the FBI on Magic Lantern. I personally believe this is showing a complete lack of loyalty to their customers, especially their law abiding customers.

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:33:26+00 by: ghasty

Add all of this along with the fact that the DOJ's Already Monitoring Modems. Things are going to be crazy for a while...when I say "things" of course I mean "civil liberties"....

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:33:26+00 by: Dan Lyke

Well, the good side of this is that there's now an incentive to keep my IP address static.

Sigh. All of a sudden HavenCo isn't looking quite so inhospitable.

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:33:27+00 by: TC

Ummm actually I think Havenco has honeypot written all over it. And you might start to look for another host for your static IP, before Excite@home turns out the lights.

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:33:27+00 by: Dan Lyke

Yeah but... AT&T has assured me that my service will continue on as if nothing happened if they manage to pull the wool over the eyes of the bankruptc acquire Excite@Home before tomorrow evening.

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:33:27+00 by: Larry Burton

Comcast's answer? "Uhmm, we'll think of something." I figure there is a 98% of my cable modem going dark tomorrow.