Posted on 07/25/2013 9:55:36 PM PDT by Errant
The U.S. government has attempted to obtain the master encryption keys that Internet companies use to shield millions of users' private Web communications from eavesdropping.
These demands for master encryption keys, which have not been disclosed previously, represent a technological escalation in the clandestine methods that the FBI and the National Security Agency employ when conducting electronic surveillance against Internet users.
If the government obtains a company's master encryption key, agents could decrypt the contents of communications intercepted through a wiretap or by invoking the potent surveillance authorities of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Web encryption -- which often appears in a browser with a HTTPS lock icon when enabled -- uses a technique called SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer.
"The government is definitely demanding SSL keys from providers," said one person who has responded to government attempts to obtain encryption keys. The source spoke with CNET on condition of anonymity.
The person said that large Internet companies have resisted the requests on the grounds that they go beyond what the law permits, but voiced concern that smaller companies without well-staffed legal departments might be less willing to put up a fight. "I believe the government is beating up on the little guys," the person said. "The government's view is that anything we can think of, we can compel you to do."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.cnet.com ...
I am highly doubtful of door #2, but apparently we get the booby prize either way!
That's the door i pick too, at least until something better comes along, especially because of all the turnovers (forced retirements) in military brass, and the strategic placements of key positions with people who are either muslim converts, former Black Panthers, or flipflopping Vietnam vets who accepted a Purple Heart for a bandaid wound. (Hey, did you know he went to Cambodia? OMG!)
Paulie hated phones. He wouldn't have one in his house. He got all his calls second hand. Then you'd have to call the people back. There were guys, that's all they did all day, was take care of Paulie's calls. For a guy who moved all day long... ...Paulie didn't talk to people. With union problems... ...or a beef in the numbers... ...only the top guys spoke with Paulie about the problem. Everything was one-on-one. Paulie hated conferences. He didn't want anyone hearing what he said... ...or anyone listening to what he was being told.
Any attempt at organized resistance would be futile, given the government's surveillance capabilities. On the other hand, no populace in the history mankind has been as well armed as the American people.
So, how does this go down when a time of action arrives?
When tyranny comes the Marxist/fascist/Progs won't be using cattle cars. No. no.
Instead, it will be big yellow school buses and the sheeple will willingly and docilely board them just as their socialist-entitlement and collectivist K-12 schools trained them to do.
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