Backlash Against British Encryption Law

gardenermike writes "The BBC is reporting on some backlash against the British Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) that came into force in 2000, which makes it a criminal act to refuse to decrypt files on a computer. Not surprisingly, the bugaboos of child pornography and terrorism, while unquestionably heinous, are being used to justify a law which does little to protect against either. Lord Phillips of Sudbury is quoted 'You do not secure the liberty of our country and value of our democracy by undermining them, that's the road to hell.'"

Comments

Re:Why is child pornography as bad as terrorism?

[thelost]

I'm sorry, did someone compare the two because if they did I missed it.

Also, are you saying that if found possessing child pornography on your computer you shouldn't be prosecuted. The whole point of bringing a case where someone has been found to have child porn on or about them is to prove their guilt or innocence. Maybe you didn't realize what you downloaded, but I have just your word to go on, unless other proof supports your assertions. What choice would I have?

"So certain bit patterns make one a felon?" Yes, unless you want to make the data we store on our computers completely ungovernable. People seem to think that they have the right to store anything they want to on their computers, even though it might be highly illegal, just because it's "bits". Well wake up call, those bits are a photograph of a young child who had no choice in the matter. What gives you the right?