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Developer Of Anonymous Tor Software Dodges FBI, Leaves US (cnn.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the u-can't-touch-this dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from CNN: FBI agents are currently trying to subpoena one of Tor's core software developers to testify in a criminal hacking investigation, CNNMoney has learned. But the developer, who goes by the name Isis Agora Lovecruft, fears that federal agents will coerce her to undermine the Tor system -- and expose Tor users around the world to potential spying. That's why, when FBI agents approached her and her family over Thanksgiving break last year, she immediately packed her suitcase and left the United States for Germany. "I was worried they'd ask me to do something that hurts innocent people -- and prevent me from telling people it's happening," she said in an exclusive interview with CNNMoney. Earlier in the month, Tech Dirt reported the Department of Homeland Security wants to subpoena the site over the identity of a hyperbolic commenter.

6 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. undermining the Tor system by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If she is "one of Tor's core software developers" and she thinks she alone could "undermine the Tor system -- and expose Tor users around the world to potential spying", what does that tell us about Tor.

    Is she saying nobody checks code-submissions she makes?

    What exactly is she saying here.

    1. Re:undermining the Tor system by houstonbofh · · Score: 5, Insightful

      No, what she is saying is the FBI may believe she can which puts her in a very bad position. If she is successful she "undermine(s) the Tor system -- and expose(s) Tor users around the world to potential spying" and if she is not she is imprisoned for contempt of court. I can see why she left. I can also see why so many security professionals keep their passport current. Way to keep the USA in the forefront of security; scare them to Germany.

    2. Re:undermining the Tor system by vel-ex-tech · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yeah, keep following those etymologies like you found the true meaning of this or that magickal term, as if citing the true etymology of the word gives you some magickal power over those who would destroy liberty. Sir James George Frazer called. He wanted to ask you more about your system of magick for an updated edition of The Golden Bough.

      My memory isn't what it used to be, but wasn't it a subpoena that Apple fought for weeks and weeks not so long ago? A subpoena that attempted to coerce Apple into spending time and resources writing custom firmware?

      Maybe Lovecruft here didn't think she would be able to mount the same quality defense against such a subpoena as an international megacorp known for having a veritable money bin of wealth sitting around.

      I don't give a shit if it's called a subpoena or whatever the fuck that means in your system of magick. It's clear what the government is doing.

  2. What do they expect? by serviscope_minor · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If they act like untrustworthy douchebags, then surprise surprise people don't trust them even when they're working on a legitimate investigation. Naturally because they insist on acting like untrustworthy douchebags, no one even has any idea if it is legitimate.

    Well done, FBI, you're your own worst enemy.

    --
    SJW n. One who posts facts.
  3. Re:Game over, the Land of the Free by dcollins117 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    People around here think the words "the land of the free and the home of the brave" signify some deeply held core American values, but they are really just lyrics to a song. The phrase first appeared in a poem written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key which was later set to a British tune called "To Anacreon in Heaven" and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner" which as you know was eventually adopted as the national Anthem.

    My point is that they are just song lyrics, and while pleasing and patriotic they are really no more meaningful or insightful as Frank Zappa's "Watch out where the huskies go, and don't you eat that yellow snow."

  4. What CNN didn't say by Qzukk · · Score: 5, Informative

    The FBI agents refused to deal with her lawyer, and intimated that they would pick her up off the street to interrogate her without a lawyer present.

    https://www.techdirt.com/artic...

    I don't think their actions are the actions of people who are operating within the rules of law. Their actions are the actions of people who are afraid of being caught violating the supreme law of the land.

    Another fact that the CNN article didn't make clear : the developer was already in the process of moving to Germany.

    --
    If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.