Judicial advisory panel allows FBI to hack computers worldwide
The FBI and DOJ are one step closer to having one of their "keeping up with the digital Joneses" requests granted. While the default phone encryption offered by Apple (and at some point in the future by Google) still remains free of law enforcement/intelligence "Golden Backdoors," the agencies are one step closer to being legally permitted to hack nearly any computer in the world.
EPIC criticized the proposal in a statement presented by Senior Counsel Alan Butler. EPIC had previously filed an amicus brief on a similar issue, the delivery of warrants via facsimile.
A judicial advisory panel Monday quietly approved a rule change that will broaden the FBI's hacking authority despite fears raised by Google that the amended language represents a "monumental" constitutional concern.
For those of you paying attention giving the FBI permission is in reality, allowing law enforcement nationwide the ability to hack into any American's computer without a warrant!
The Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules voted 11-1 to modify an arcane federal rule to allow judges more flexibility in how they approve search warrants for electronic data, according to a Justice Department spokesman.
The judicial advisory committee's vote is only the first of several stamps of approval required within the federal judicial branch before the the rule change can formally take place—a process that will likely take over a year. The proposal is now subject to review by the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, which normally can approve amendments at its June meeting. The Judicial Conference is next in line to approve the rule, a move that would likely occur in September.
No longer bound by physical jurisdictions, the FBI will be able to perform remote searches all over the globe. This is its "21st century" fix -- a permission slip to implant malicious software in any computer, located anywhere, in order to track suspected criminals. That performing these actions may break local laws is just the acceptable collateral damage inherent to modern-day crimefighting.
The Supreme Court would have until May 1, 2016 to review and accept the amendment, which Congress would then have seven months to reject, modify or defer. Absent any congressional action, the rule would take place on Dec. 1, 2016.
While the fight against the rule change will continue, its procession through the next couple of steps will likely be as quiet as its passage by the judicial advisory panel. Those in the position to shut this down are going to find it hard to argue against law enforcement and national security talking points.
Remember politicians & law enforcement have the 'golden ticket' and its name is TERRORISM.
Mention that one word and our rights disappear!
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150317/07440430342/judicial-committee-gives-fbi-first-ok-it-needs-to-hack-any-computer-anywhere-planet.shtml
http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/fbi-s-plan-to-expand-hacking-power-advances-despite-privacy-fears-20150316