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Hacker Builds a Dark Net Version of the FBI Tip Form

Posted by samzenpus on from the here's-a-tip dept.

Daniel_Stuckey writes A London-based programmer has set up a new hidden service for anyone using Tor to submit anonymous tips to the FBI. With the new .onion hidden service link, which accesses the FBI's tips page through a reverse proxy, Mustafa Al-Bassam told me in an IRC chat that he's engineered a "proof-of-concept," demonstrating how the bureau might go about setting up a more secure system for receiving crime tips.

5 of 41 comments (clear)

  1. Re:The FBI does not want Anonymous tips by danknight48 · · Score: 2

    I do not any law agency really wants anonymous tips. They want a way to track you down for one reason or another.

    I see where your coming from :)

    Dear FBI,

    I heard that Santa is abusing his gnomes at Xmas time by not paying the minimum wage.

    I also have proof that he is using Amazon Logistics instead of chimneys.
    Please investigate this. I simply dont have any more room in my recycling bin for more cardboard.

    Yours Sincerely,
    Mr. Anonymous

  2. Antithetical by Dereck1701 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Anonymity is complete antithetical to what the the FBI and most other "law enforcement" agencies want, to know everything about everybody for all time so that their jobs are easier. At the same time they want the general public to know next to nothing about their activities beyond that they are "working for the common good/have everything under control". This is of course no way to run a free society and as such there are rules (or there are at least supposed to be) limiting their behavior. I'm not sure anonymous tips are compatible with a free society, they encourage flagrant abuses, such as officers submitting their own tips to attempt an end run around the fourth amendment and people with axes to grind submitting false/misleading tips against those whom they dislike.

    1. Re:Antithetical by meta-monkey · · Score: 2

      But if you're going to kick in the door and shoot the dog you'd better damn well have a warrant based on something a lot more substantial than an anonymous tip.

      The anonymous tip just needs to mention the suspects are black.

      --
      We don't have a state-run media we have a media-run state.
  3. Romanes eunt domus by Thud457 · · Score: 2

    1. There are no legitimate uses for TOR. Anyone using it is a terrorist.
    2. The FBI is not in the business of law enforcement. Go find somebody that cares. Good luck.

    --

    the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  4. Brilliant by Zamphatta · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I love this. It shows the authorities how TOR can be used in their favor, instead of demonizing it and making it out to be no good for anything but criminal activities.