Re:If You Used TorMail, the FBI Has Your Inbox
by judk on Monday January 27, 2014 @10:47AM
(#7130883)
The govt does scan copy massive amounts of paper mail, also.
Re:If You Used TorMail, the FBI Has Your Inbox
by Consultant32452 on Monday January 27, 2014 @02:21PM
(#7132475)
My understanding is that they collect scan copies of massive amounts of mail meta-data. Specifically the stuff on the envelope, but not the contents within. The contents within are highly protected and would require a warrant. The problem with e-mail is that it's really difficult to analyze the metadata without also capturing the e-mail content.
My primary concern is the now known strategy of parallel construction. The FBI could be trolling the emails for crimes then using that illegal evidence to find ways to get a warrant to allow the previously illegal evidence into the case.
If this was Fed Ex distribution center that had been seized it would have been treated very differently. They would collected the mail pertinent to the case and rest would have gone away. If they were to confiscate the whole building holding all of the mail for a later time in case they needed it there would be a huge back lash. But because it was email and we haven't set ground rules most people don't bat an eye, even if it's their mail that's been taken.
As a parent it's really difficult not to be supportive anywhere child porn is involved. It's an issue that is so emotional for me that my first instinct is that I would give up everyone's privacy in the hopes of putting a dent in the abuse of children. Even if it only saved one child, emotionally, it would be worth it to me. Logically I realize that once these systems are in place there is no stopping them, and they will be used for everyone else's emotional/political hot button. I only bring this up because having the reaction I do allows me to understand what other people are feeling when the issue is around terrorists/hackers/fraud/whatever.