Password Crackers Volunteer To Help Family Access Dead Marine's E-mail Account

Associated Press ^ | December 22, 2004

[wallcrawlr]

WIXOM, Mich. -- Offers of help have been pouring in for a Michigan family who is trying to persuade online giant Yahoo! to allow them access to the e-mail account a Marine killed in Iraq.

From lawyers to computer-code crackers, people across the nation have come forward wanting to help the family of 20-year-old Justin M. Ellsworth, who was killed last month during a foot patrol in Iraq.

``Oh, my God. It's been incredible,'' Justin's father John Ellsworth said. ``It's an overwhelming response. ... Things are really moving. I'm very encouraged by it all, but I still have my reservations.''

Yahoo! is standing by its policy of protecting the privacy of its e-mail subscribers, spokeswoman Karen Mahon said.

[SweetCaroline]

I can't imagine doing this to a loved one. Never in a million years would I want to snoop on a child that much --- to take advantage of their death in such a way, what kind of information on him are they hoping to find?

Have you ever lost a child unexpectedly? I did. If not you have no idea of the desperation these people have to hold onto everything related to their child. It is not about taking advantage of their death, it is about preserving their life. Could you imagine finding their diary or journal and not reading it or listening to taped messages on a phone.

It is not about invading their child's privacy, it is an act of desperation to hold on to every last memory of their child.

[newzjunkey]

Folks who corresponded with him might have cause to sue since there was no expectation these messages would not have died with him. It's not like they could expect a paper trail was left as there would if they'd snail-mailed.

Now they'll be haunted, harassed and pilloried by this family lusting for things they have no right to all out of grief. Instead of being thankful for the time they had with their son, or for those of his peers who chose to speak to them they aren't satisfied. There's no unquenchable appetite like grieving parents.

[Ray'sBeth]

You've all given me more things to thing about if and when my son, a Marine, goes back to Iraq. First of all, they all spend time filling out lots of "in case of death" papers--at least those in my son's company do. They make them out before they go. However, it never crossed my mind to ask him for passwords. Well, one more thing to add to the list.

[asgardshill]

There really is nobody left who could possibly give a hoot about the contents of my email box. But I think I'll still add a codicil to my will that said contents (as well as my hard drive) should just be allowed to vanish into thin air.

[newzjunkey]

it is an act of desperation to hold on to every last memory of their child.

NO IT ISN'T! They're crossing the boundry because they're not holding on to memories they have and messages *they* got or sent but rather their child's writings, thoughts and correspondences with others to which they have *NO* right and would otherwise never see. They should respect their fallen hero for the person he showed to them from birth, into school and on until death and nothing more.

Dead child or not. Just because they feel entitled doesn't mean they are.

[Kerfuffle]

The frustrating part of this is that whenever any unit of government so much as hints at subpoenaing them for access, Yahoo bends over and grabs its ankles instantly.

[newzjunkey]

However, it never crossed my mind to ask him for passwords. Well, one more thing to add to the list.

And if he DECLINES, don't question it.

[You Dirty Rats]

Do you have children? If not, you will never understand.......

I DO have children, and I understand perfectly. I consider their e-mail accounts private, and wouldn't access them unless there was some very compelling reason to do so (i.e. their safety). It's a simple matter of respect.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Perhaps the family wants to write to the unanswered emails from friends and inform them that their son has died.

[seacapn]

Privacy is not a 'red herring' here. Someone's private email account can contain any number of things, from transaction records to personal correspondance to other people that have nothing to do with someone's family. There could be items as varied as love letters, complaints, letters to high school buddies, transaction records, or anything else. I understand the family's desire to search for a better understanding of their son. But it was always his decision to grant that access. This isn't like a pornography ring or some sort of secretive criminal activity hiding behind the cloak of privacy. There is no wrongdoing here. The man had an account, and it was his. When you sign up for the account, the privacy policy doesn't say anything about losing that privacy upon death. You have to answer the question - what if he didn't want his private messages exposed to his family? Who are we to assume he did? Who is Yahoo to do it? Who, even, is his family?

[SweetCaroline]

You accuse them of ulterior motives when in fact it is an act of desperation.....you have no idea what it is like to loose a child and the impact it has on parents and you should pray that you never do.

Then again the coldness in your debate leaves little doubt how emotional it would be for you.

[AntiGuv]

I've already e-mailed Yahoo and informed them that if they do violate the Marine's privacy in such a flagrant manner, I will immediately cancel all services with them and change my home page. Yahoo has been my home page since November 1995.

[Red Badger]

Regardless of the Marine's privacy issue, why on earth do you use yahoo anyway? They are, as one previous poster alleged, a group of liberal porno hustlers with new suits......?.....

[GraniteStateConservative]

Just because we understand their reasons (selfishness and desperation), it doesn't mean their reasons are a basis for denying this man his privacy. There are a million things this guy could want to keep secret from others and he should be allowed to keep those things private.

[Red Badger]

BUMP!!!

[TheGunny]

You are on your own....Im with Yahoo on this one.

[AntiGuv]

In my will I've specified that not only should none of my email accounts be accessed under any circumstance, but that all my computers should be dismantled and the hard drive destroyed. I also made a point several years ago of informing anyone who may need to deal with my effects that this should be done immediately, and that there is nothing on my computers that anyone need examine after my death.

I also have some rather harsh stipulations for anyone who fails to follow my instructions in this regard. In short, they will get cut out completely unless there's a legal order that prevents them enacting my wishes. I thought about all the possibilities many years ago, and I think I've covered all my bases.

[1rudeboy]

I haven't finished reading this thread, but I heard about this case on talk-radio, with almost every opinion imaginable. No one speaks of the other side of the equation. What of this Marine's correspondants? Does anyone think they want this man's family reading their letters?

[Neets]

Regardless of the Marine's privacy issue, why on earth do you use yahoo anyway?

You are a nosey little booger, aren't you?

[AntiGuv]

I've considered dropping Yahoo but I am so totally accustomed to their interface and my services with them are so extensive that it would take a good amount of effort to extricate myself and switch to MSN, or wherever.

I use Yahoo because they were 'first' and I've been on the web a long time. There is one thing I can assure you though which is that no matter how difficult I will drop Yahoo instantly if this family gains access to the son's account.

I bookmarked the article as soon as I saw it on Yahoo news so I won't forget to keep tabs on the situation. If Yahoo relents or doesn't keep the account secure, they are absolutely gone from my computer life.

I've gone to greater lengths for privacy and I can do it again if need be. It'll hurt, but so be it!!