From an article at: http://publicintelligence.net/do-you-like-online-privacy-you-may-be-a-terrorist/ February 1, 2012 in News Public Intelligence A flyer [1] designed by the FBI and the Department of Justice to promote suspicious activity reporting in internet cafes lists basic tools used for online privacy as potential signs of terrorist activity. The document, part of a program called âCommunities Against Terrorismâ, lists the use of âanonymizers, portals, or other means to shield IP addressâ as a sign that a person could be engaged in or supporting terrorist activity. The use of encryption is also listed as a suspicious activity along with steganography, the practice of using âsoftware to hide encrypted data in digital photosâ or other media. In fact, the flyer recommends that anyone âoverly concerned about privacyâ or attempting to âshield the screen from view of othersâ should be considered suspicious and potentially engaged in terrorist activities. Logging into an account associated with a residential internet service provider (such as Comcast or AOL), an activity that could simply indicate that you are on a trip, is also considered a suspicious activity. Viewing any content related to âmilitary tacticsâ including manuals or ârevolutionary literatureâ is also considered a potential indicator of terrorist activity. This would mean that viewing a number of websites, including the one you are on right now, could be construed by a hapless employee as an highly suspicious activity potentially linking you to terrorism. The âPotential Indicators of Terrorist Activitiesâ contained in the flyer are not to be construed alone as a sign of terrorist activity and the document notes that âjust because someoneâs speech, actions, beliefs, appearance, or way of life is different; it does not mean that he or she is suspicious.â However, many of the activities described in the document are basic practices of any individual concerned with security or privacy online. The use of PGP, VPNs, Tor or any of the many other technologies for anonymity and privacy online are directly targeted by the flyer, which is distributed to businesses in an effort to promote the reporting of these activities. [1]http://publicintelligence.net/fbi-suspicious-activity-reporting-flyers/ Does anyone have any opinions on how this will impact Tor and it's users in the United States? It seems to me that anyone wishing to use Tor to protect themselves, especially at cafes, would start being unnecessarily harassed. Take care, Chris -- -- Christopher A. Lindsey Garuda LLC PGP Key: AFD4E820
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