Feds put heat on Web firms for master encryption keys (EDIT: sourcing issues here)

[Recursion]

Most of you know my unpopular views on PRISM, etc., but this one is in fact a Very Big Deal, and a Very Bad Thing.

EDIT: As S4P pointed out, McCullagh's source for this is, well, McCullagh, so take with a grain of salt.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57595202-38/feds-put-heat-on-web-firms-for-master-encryption-keys/

The U.S. government has attempted to obtain the master encryption keys that Internet companies use to shield millions of users' private Web communications from eavesdropping.

These demands for master encryption keys, which have not been disclosed previously, represent a technological escalation in the clandestine methods that the FBI and the National Security Agency employ when conducting electronic surveillance against Internet users.

...

The person said that large Internet companies have resisted the requests on the grounds that they go beyond what the law permits, but voiced concern that smaller companies without well-staffed legal departments might be less willing to put up a fight. "I believe the government is beating up on the little guys," the person said. "The government's view is that anything we can think of, we can compel you to do."

A Microsoft spokesperson would not say whether the company has received such requests from the government. But when asked whether Microsoft would turn over a master key used for Web encryption or server-to-server e-mail encryption, the spokesperson replied: "No, we don't, and we can't see a circumstance in which we would provide it."

As it stands, the government doesn't seem to be able to legally require their handing over.

[struggle4progress]

1. Declan McCullagh? The libertarian liar? Really?

[Recursion]

4. Ack. I just noticed he was his own source. Damn it. (nt)

[struggle4progress]

5. Do you remember his little lying article about Nadler, not that long ago, in which

he selectively misquoted a hearing transcript to make it look like Nadler was saying something different than he actually said, until the Congressman himself was forced to repudiate Declan's misrepresentation?

Congressman denies report claiming NSA can listen to calls without warrants
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014510665

[limpyhobbler]

2. Are you fucking kidding? They want everything.

[Rex]

3. Sure why not.

Not like they really care if we care. I'm not sure why their rush to see if we eat corn daily or not...but I'm sure there is some firm out there that would pay good $$$ for a slice of that golden, untapped information.