While the US are secretly undergoing eavesdropping activities over national and international communications (considered uncostitutional by a federal judge some days ago), including in depth analysis of financial transactions (all transactions, because "it's difficult to determine which ones are related to terrorism, just take the whole bunch and do it yourself), the UK police have asked the activation of Part 3 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act provoking a big reactions from experts and associations, in an attempt to investigate upon a huge amount of computers that have been seized and lie waiting to be examined with their hard drive encrypted.....

where police have "considerable evidence" of data that relates to a serious crime.  The Act, "is a United Kingdom law covering the interception of communications. It was introduced to take account of technological change such as the growth of the Internet and strong encryption. It also puts other techniques for monitoring citizens on a statutory footing" .

Part 3 of this act regards the investigation of electronic data protected by any mean of protection. In simple words, if an official "believes" (yes, no need to be sure beyond any doubt with material proofs; it's exactly written like this in the Act) that some data is encrypted then you will forced to give the key to them.  They have to prove they received it. Failure to give the key (e.g. if you have an encrypted PGPdisk created 6 years ago containing backup data of your previous job) and do not remember the password then you win a free tour around the UK jails for a period of time up to two years. 

Well, not really free, because you will also have to pay a fine, so the trip is on your shoulder.  I know what you are asking now: what if I have encrypted a disk with a biometric device?  No problem. There are lots of wonderful hospitals where they will be happy to detach your finger to give evidence that the "password" could be reused.

Comments Index (Total Messages: 6)

Open Rights Group has more Written by Glyn on 2006-08-20 22:54:29

What makes this so european? Written by Guest on 2006-08-20 22:55:40 Re: What makes this so european? Written by Guest on 2006-08-20 22:57:21

Boring Written by Guest on 2006-08-20 22:55:18 Re: Boring Written by Guest on 2006-08-21 06:34:56

Violation of human rights Written by Guest on 2006-08-20 22:55:04

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