posted on May, 19 2005 @ 11:19 AM
I read this section from an alleged "leak" of the Patriot act 2 draft
[Link].
If it is true, then I wonder if people who use encryption for the simple purpose of ensuring their privacy will automatically be flagged as a
"suspected terrorist". I believe they have already purposed that people on their suspected terrorist list be denied the right to buy firearms.
"Section 404: Use of Encryption to Conceal Criminal Activity.(page 22)
In recent years, terrorists and other criminals have begun to use encryption technology to conceal their communications when planning and conducting
criminal activity. Title 18 of the United States Code currently contains no prohibition on the use of encrypted communications to plan or facilitate
crimes. This proposal would amend federal law to provide that any person who, during the commission of or the attempt to commit a federal felony,
knowingly and willfully uses encryption technology to conceal any incriminating communication or information relating to that felony, be imprisoned
for an additional period of not fewer than 5 years. These additional penalties are warranted to deter the use of encryption technology to conceal
criminal activity. In addition, it does not address the issue of whether software companies and internet service providers should give law enforcement
access to "keys" for the purposes of decoding intercepted communications."
I also noticed that the topic here changed from terrorists using encryption to anyone who uses it to commit a felony. It may not sound like much now,
but will they expand this idea to included internet relay chat channels and such?
I'm sorry, but the overall danger of terrorism in America does not warrant such governmental behavior. I'd rather risk dying at the hands of a
terrorist than live under the prying eyes of the government.