TechieGroups

A FEDERAL JUDGE in Colorado has ordered a woman to decrypt the hard drive in her laptop so the files can be used as evidence against her.

The laptop was seized by FBI agents under a warrant in May 2010 whilst investigating financial fraud. However, the files were encrypted by PGP Desktop so the authorities demanded her decryption password under the All Writs Act.

Ramona Fricosu refused to hand over her password, claiming the demand violated the Fifth Amendment protection against compelled self-incrimination.

However, US District Court Judge Robert Blackman said, “I find and conclude that the Fifth Amendment is not implicated by requiring production of the unencrypted contents of the Toshiba Satellite M305 laptop computer.”

A similar legal doctrine has been around in the UK for a number of years but this is relatively new across the pond and is likely to appear more frequently in the future. µ

TOYMAKER FOR THE WELL HEELED Apple has been ordered by Japan’s trade ministry to announce that users fearful that their Ipod Nano could catch fire can receive a new battery.

The ministry read Apple the riot act after 27 incidents of first generation Ipod Nanos overheating. The cappuccino company laid the blame on one of its battery suppliers and said that safety was a high priority.

Apple’s explanation led to the ministry issuing an order to publish an “easy to understand” statement on its website. That should allay fanbois’ fears of getting burned by the pint-sized music player.

Apple has offered users the option of replacement batteries and even advice, as Apple advises users to handle Ipods with oven gloves, though we imagine that tongs might work just as well. So far the company has yet to update its Japanese website to comply with the ministry’s order.

It seems that with the Ipod Nano, Apple has a device that can burn more than just its fanbois’ wallets. µ