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Ron Wyden Introduces Bill To Ban FBI 'Backdoors' In Tech Products

An anonymous reader sends this report from The Verge: Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is trying to proactively block FBI head James Comey's request for new rules that make tapping into devices easier. The Secure Data Act would ban agencies from making manufacturers alter their products to allow easier surveillance or search, something Comey has said is necessary as encryption becomes more common and more sophisticated. "Strong encryption and sound computer security is the best way to keep Americans' data safe from hackers and foreign threats," said Wyden in a statement. "It is the best way to protect our constitutional rights at a time when a person's whole life can often be found on his or her smartphone."

5 of 109 comments (clear)

  1. This is bothersome by WindBourne · · Score: 4, Insightful

    When NSA was set up, it was to SPY on FOREIGN powers, while securing our own equipment. Now, it is bothersome that backdoors are being built into personal level equipment.

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    I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
  2. How long until he gets a phone call... by Grog6 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "You know, that's a nice life you have; drop the bill and none of your illegal activities come out."

    All congresscritters are criminals, so this won't take long to kill. :(

    You can't vote out the Gestapo.

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    Truth isn't Truth - Guliani
  3. Re:"Make" or "convince" by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 4, Insightful

    All big corporations are on the same side as the "agencies"

    Not on this issue. Corporations are happy to help if it boosts their profits, or at least doesn't hurt them. But once these backdoors went public, the backlash has meant fewer sales for American tech. That hurts profits. If this bill fails, as is likely, more and more people will buy non-American tech, from countries they feel are more trustworthy, like China.

  4. It will never pass and not for the reasons by Stan92057 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It will never pass and not for the reasons many here might think. Other lawmakers will try to put other stuff/attachments in the bill that has zero to do with the bill. for example fund spy cameras for the police or fund something that will never pass, poisoning the bill. This is how all good bills are destroyed and making those who voted against the bill look like the evil doers when in fact they are voting against the bill because it contains SHIT.

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    Jack of all trades,master of none
  5. Re:Any other agencies or just the FBI... by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The similarities between the Roman Empire and the US are actually stunning to behold.

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    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.