Goverment agents asked to stay away from hacking convention following Snowden PRISM revelations

[bemildred]

Federal government personnel have been asked to stay away from the DEF CON hacking conference for the first time in its 21-year history, with "recent revelations" such as Prism and the Edward Snowden (pictured) affair cited as making delegates uncomfortable.

"For over two decades DEF CON has been an open nexus of hacker culture, a place where seasoned pros, hackers, academics, and feds can meet, share ideas and party on neutral territory. Our community operates in the spirit of openness, verified trust, and mutual respect," DEF CON founder and cyber security adviser for the Department of Homeland security Jeff Moss said in a statement posted on the event's website.

"When it comes to sharing and socialising with feds, recent revelations have made many in the community uncomfortable about this relationship. Therefore, I think it would be best for everyone involved if the feds call a 'time-out' and not attend DEF CON this year.

---

The request for federal agents to stay away has been made in an attempt to defuse tension between the authorities and the hacking community following what some believe is the harsh treatment of Prism whistle-blower Snowden after he accused the US government of collecting data about internet use and mobile phone calls.

http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/news/2280903/goverment-agents-asked-to-stay-away-from-hacking-convention-following-snowden-prism-revelations

[dballance]

1. That would be the OVERT agents.

You know damn well they have covert agents there and always have. They're there acting like one of the crowd and making inroads into the inner circles.

[bemildred]

2. Well yeah.

Let's admit it, the government has a love-hate relationship with hackers. They love the ones they think they can own and hate the rest of us. Of course the best are highly trained critical thinkers, so they tend to be disobedient when you are wrong.

[dballance]

3. You're Absoulutely Correct.

I'd be shocked if the government didn't have some of the really good hackers as operatives. I'm willing to bet, yes actually put money on it, that they've turned some of them with threats of prosecution or be our agent.

I can't say I'd blame anyone for turning in those circumstances. I wouldn't want to go to jail. But I'd want a written contract I could keep in a safe deposit box. Even that would dicey given how honest and ethical our government is