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from the it-was-an-error,-not-exageration,-honest! dept.
Submitted via IRC for Runaway1956
For the past several months, the FBI has been claiming that encryption has prevented the agency from accessing around 7,000 mobile devices connected to various crimes.
On Tuesday, the FBI told PCMag that a programming error resulted in a "significant overcounting" of the encrypted devices. "The FBI is currently conducting an in-depth review of how this over-counting previously occurred," the agency said in a statement.
The news was first reported by The Washington Post, which said the correct number is probably between 1,000 and 2,000 devices. One internal estimate from the FBI puts the figure at 1,200, but the agency plans to launch an audit to get the full number, The Post said, citing unnamed sources.
The mistake seriously undercuts one of the FBI's central arguments in the ongoing encryption debate. For years now, the agency has been pushing for what critics call a "backdoor" into smartphone products that'll let federal agents easily unlock mobile devices tied to crimes. Without such access, some investigations may grind to halt, the agency claims.
[...] How did the FBI make the mistake? According to the agency, starting in April 2016, it began using a new "collection methodology" with how it counted the encrypted devices. But only recently did the FBI become aware of flaws in the methodology, it said, without elaborating.
Source: https://www.pcmag.com/news/361357/oops-fbi-inflated-the-number-of-encrypted-devices-it-cant
Also at CNET and TechCrunch
(Score: 5, Insightful) by TheGratefulNet on Thursday May 24 2018, @03:23AM
yeah, I'm with you. I could not care less if it solved ALL previously unsolved crimes; what it does to us is 100% unacceptable from a freedom POV.
its too high a price to pay for so little in return.
besides, its not REALLY about solving crimes. its about those in power - ie, sociopaths - who want to get their rocks off by being able to spy on anyone and hold that over them.
that is the elephant in the room. its a power-trip thing and a control-freak thing. that's ALL it is.
but no one will admit it. to admit it is to shine light on things they don't want us to talk and think about.
think about it. you know this to be true.
"It is now safe to switch off your computer."