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Congress Considers Mandatory Crypto Backdoors

Posted by Hemos on from the the-encryption-wars-begin dept.

disappear writes: "Wired news reports that Congress is considering restrictions on crypto software in the wake of the terrorist attack. 'Nuff said." This will be the next battle -- especially in the wake of this week's tragedies, and the the allegations that the prime suspect Osama Bin Laden is a heavy crypto user. The battle of privacy and safety is going to begin in earnest now.

5 of 1,105 comments (clear)

  1. backdoor v2.0 by Anonymous+Admin · · Score: 5, Funny

    We can rest assured that all terrorists will promptly upgrade their crypto systems to use the backdoored versions. They are a patriotic and considerate bunch after all.

    sheesh.

    legislators.

  2. Baron Harkonen and the Heart-plugs by aminorex · · Score: 5, Funny

    Illustrious Baron Harkonen today decreed that
    all citizens will be equiped with remote-controlled
    heart-plugs. This will make us all safe, because
    only the loving Baron will have the transmitter,
    and he will only use it to protect us.

    --
    -I like my women like I like my tea: green-
  3. Forget Crypto, how about KNIVES? by Dr.+Awktagon · · Score: 5, Funny

    Did you know, you can walk into almost any store and buy a knife WITHOUT ANY BACKGROUND CHECK? They should at least check the buyer for dark hair and skin, the signs of a terrorist.
    And I understand that plans to make knives are available on the internet? It used to be, only a skilled craftsman could make one, now any punk in his mom's basement can craft a steel blade capable of hijacking an airplane and crashing it into a building!

    1. Re:Forget Crypto, how about KNIVES? by 1010011010 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, and this is obvious, so please forgive me, it's because the hijackers strapped deadly crypto to themselves and threatened use it. *Of course* the Feds want to ban Crypto, and other sharp and/or explosive devices. They love us and want to protect us. This time.

      They had better legislate tender steak too, because we'll all be eating with plastic spoons next.

      --
      Napster-to-go says "Fill and refill your compatible MP3 player", which is a lie. It's not MP3. It's WMA with DRM.
    2. Re:Forget Crypto, how about KNIVES? by pete-classic · · Score: 5, Funny

      Finally, someone understands.

      I am trying to gain support to put together an organization I plan to call "Boxcutter Control, INC."

      The role of the unregulated boxcutter supply has been downplayed for far to long. Perhaps the one good thing to come out of this tragedy will be that we will reach the long over due conclusion that there just isn't a place for private boxcutter ownership in our society.

      I am also concerned about the baseball bat situation. Are you aware that in many areas a CHILD can purchase a THREE POUND baseball bat? There is NO purpose for such a heavy bat except for hitting things VERY hard. Now, I wouldn't interfere with people using a bat for sporting purposes, but they should be carefully regulated as well.

      Sure, this might be inconvenient, but if just ONE CHILD is saved, won't it be worth it?

      -Peter