Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

UK Court Rejects Encryption Key Disclosure Defense

Posted by samzenpus on from the do-not-pass-go dept.

truthsearch writes "Defendants can't deny police an encryption key because of fears the data it unlocks will incriminate them, a British appeals court has ruled. The case marked an interesting challenge to the UK's Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), which in part compels someone served under the act to divulge an encryption key used to scramble data on a PC's hard drive. The appeals court heard a case in which two suspects refused to give up encryption keys, arguing that disclosure was incompatible with the privilege against self incrimination. In its ruling, the appeals court said an encryption key is no different than a physical key and exists separately from a person's will."

3 of 708 comments (clear)

  1. Fuck the British equivalent of Homeland security by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    You guys point at us and laugh? Wait'll you see what your gov't is aiming for in the same country where 1984 was written.

  2. Re:I wish the US Supreme Court was that smart. by thermian · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    The US has already ruled you can't be forced to give out an encryption key.

    It's nice having a Bill of Rights, ain't it?

    Laugh at all the British who say such a thing is unnecessary.

    I'd rather laugh at you when you find yourself unable to change jobs because you have 'health insurance worries'. Oh yes, no problems in America, nosirree.

    --
    A learning experience is one of those things that say, 'You know that thing you just did? Don't do that.' - D. Adams
  3. Re:First of many, methinks by thompson.ash · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Of course I'm a pompous ass - I'm British.

    You're quick enough to jump up and tell me I'm in the wrong Anonymous Coward ...

    Who the fuck are you to decide what behavior is acceptable on Slashdot?

    and then go and do the exact same thing telling me where to get off...

    Also anyone is entitled to decide "what behaviour is acceptable on slashdot". That's what modpoints are for.

    Of course, I say anyone. I mean anyone that hasn't been modded down by a racist cunt like yourself Anonymous Coward .

    Thank you for your constructive criticism Anonymous Coward.

    Oh and for the record racism has no place anywhere.

    This is, of course, purely my opinion which seems to have no place here among the "intellectual" community.

    --
    I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was going blame you for it!