Researchers Now Pulling Out of DEF CON In Response To Anti-Fed Position

darthcamaro writes "Earlier today it, Slashdot had a story about DEF CON's position on not allowing U.S. Federal agents to attend the annual hacking conference. We're now starting to see the backlash from the hacker community itself with at least two well respected hackers pulling out of the DEF CON speaking sessions so far: "'The issue we are struggling with, and the basis of our decision, is that we feel strongly that DEF CON has always presented a neutral ground that encouraged open communication among the community, despite the industry background and diversity of motives to attend,' security researcher Kevin Johnson wrote. 'We believe the exclusion of the "feds" this year does the exact opposite at a critical time.'" Meanwhile, Black Hat welcomes Federal attendees; this year's conference will feature as a speaker former NSA head Keith Alexander.

Comments

Re:Nobody "Excluded" Anybody

[causality]

They didn't "exclude" the Feds. They simply warned them that given the current atmosphere, it might not be wise for them to attend. There's a pretty damned big difference.

Then they really don't understand how police and federal agents think.

These aren't people who intend to prevent a confrontation or back down from one for the sake of getting along. These are people who want a confrontation because they want an excuse to use force, look good before their bosses, and justify their existence and performance to the media. Confrontation is what they train for and overwhelming force that cannot be resisted is their method (but they'll happily charge someone for trying - if they survive).

Asking these people not to show up under these circumstances is absurd. It only makes them more interesting in attending. Racking up arrests and filing charges is how these people show their bosses that they are doing their jobs. That can be done by finding criminals and it can also be done by making criminals.

Re: Fuck 'em

[adolf]

So can solitude.

But I like roads, bridges, and military protection.

Re: Fuck 'em

[Khyber]

"But I like Roads"

So build your own. It's not that hard. Even my crippled ass can lay some concrete and asphalt.

"bridges"

Well, guess what? If you passed basic geometry and maybe took a little wood/metal shop class, building one shouldn't be an issue at all. But you like solitude so why would you build one, since that just invites people?

'Military Protection'

Son, if you don't have your own arsenal and at least a few home-rigged explosives, you're not worth your user name or worth being called American.