Slashdot Mirror


Want to Keep Messages From the Feds? Use iMessage

According to an report at CNET, "Encryption used in Apple's iMessage chat service has stymied attempts by federal drug enforcement agents to eavesdrop on suspects' conversations, an internal government document reveals. An internal Drug Enforcement Administration document seen by CNET discusses a February 2013 criminal investigation and warns that because of the use of encryption, 'it is impossible to intercept iMessages between two Apple devices' even with a court order approved by a federal judge." The article goes on to talk about ways in which the U.S. government is pressuring companies to leave peepholes for law enforcement in just such apps, and provides some insight into why the proprietary iMessage is (but might not always be) a problem for eavesdroppers, even ones with badges. Adds reader adeelarshad82, "It turns out that encryption is only half of the problem while the real issue lies in the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act which was passed in 1994.

4 of 153 comments (clear)

  1. Hipsters attack the USA. by concealment · · Score: 3, Funny

    When I see terrorists in skinny jeans, ironic tshirts and wayfarers, on their iPhones plotting the demise of the Great Satan, then I'll worry.

  2. Re::D by John+Napkintosh · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hey, I'd like to buy some of those drugs. Hit me up on iMessage at 407-TOTALLY-NOT-A-COP.

    --

    Long signatures suck.
  3. Re:I don't even... by PPH · · Score: 3, Funny

    Judges are so 20th Century.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  4. Re:Seriously now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    None of which stops them from calling your LEO's office and saying, "Hi, this is your federal government; Joe Palooka, address such and such, is dealing drugs." Or whatever. At which juncture, you are now a POGI. The point is, your secrets... aren't.

    Yes of course, but you have to JIYE the YTSARD or who's going to GJS the KSDYI?