Last updated June 21, 2016
Courtesy of the EFF – noglobalwarrants.org
WHAT IS IT?
We all benefit from our privacy offline and online. In the online world, we use encryption to protect our conversations, our ideas, our health records, our payment transactions, and everything that matters to us. But a proposed change to Rule 41 could threaten our right to privacy as soon as December 1.
The worst part? This initiative could affect people inside and outside the United States.
In a recent statement by the EFF, Activism Director Rainey Reitman said that “the amendment would update Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, creating a sweeping expansion of law enforcement’s ability to engage in hacking and surveillance.”
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The proposed changes would make it easier for the U.S. government to break into our computers, take data, and engage in remote surveillance. It will heavily target devices with tools and software that obscure a personal computer’s location, such as Tor and VPNs.
These are the tools needed to protect your privacy, the privacy of your business, the privacy of journalists, social rights activists, diplomats, researchers, victims of crime or domestic violence, and many more.
Many businesses even require their employees to use virtual private networks for security, especially during travel. Such tools should be actively promoted as a way to safeguard privacy, not discouraged.
HOW CAN I HELP?
If the U.S. Congress does not act, this new rule update will simply go into effect on December 1, 2016. We’re asking for your support and a few minutes of your time.
- Read more about Rule 41 and how it infringes on your right to privacy
- Tell the U.S. Congress to reject the Rule 41 proposal
- Use these resources from the EFF to help raise awareness
- Read the coalition letter
Join us and the EFF to help raise awareness of this issue with your friends, colleagues, and families.
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http://spideroak.com/articles/proposed-rule-41-changes-what-it-is-and-how-to-stop-it