UK->Information (dark) Age

[Ian Brown]

> * They assert that no data is copied off the laptop. The procedure
> involves booting the system from a "scan disk".  These disks are
> supplied sealed from the manufacturer (who they would not name), the
> seal is broken in the presence of the laptop owner and the disk is
> thrown away once the scan is complete.

This is great to hear, although it is worrying where this could lead once
the principle is established. For instance, it is obviously ludicrous that
any encryption completely screws the search: so you can bet C&E with help
from friends in GCHQ could easily switch to taking pre-emptive scans of
disks they are in the least suspicious of (or are interested in for
intelligence purposes) for later decryption demands.

If we can have official guidelines from the Home Office limiting scans to
what currently happens, that would be a lot more acceptable.

[I would also be happier if I could destroy the floppy before it is thrown
away.]

Ian.