Slashdot Mirror
Will Security Firms Detect Police Spyware?
cnet-declan writes "A recent appeals court case dealt with Drug Enforcement Administration agents using a key logger to investigate a suspect using PGP and Hushmail. That invites the obvious question: Will security companies ever intentionally overlook police spyware? There were somewhat-muddled reports in 2001 that Symantec and McAfee would do just that, so over at News.com we figured we'd do a survey of the top 13 security firms. We asked them if it is their policy to detect policeware. Notably, Check Point said it would 'afford law enforcement' the courtesy of whitelisting if requested. We've also posted the full results, with the companies' complete answers. Another question we asked is if they have ever received a court order requiring them to overlook police key loggers or spyware. Symantec, IBM, Kaspersky, and others said no. Only Microsoft and McAfee refused to answer."
What if they have a court order? Do you not have a phone either?
This whole article smells like FUD against the government. If they have a court order (with proper oversight), I don't see a problem with this
Idiot moderator! Parent is not off topic. (Hint: rot13)
"That's only in Amerika of course."
Gee, you really believe the Chinese, Russian, Iranian, North Korean, Saudi, Syrian and Chilean governments would never do this? What about the Indonesian government or the government of any country in Africa? Seriously, put away the crack before the crack puts you away.
I would be more concerned if these companies were making deals to white-list spam bots or something truly nefarious.