Federal Government, Military Can Break Into Xbox Live, PSN, Etc

In an ever unfolding example of how individual privacy is losing its value in the United States, it has been revealed that some agencies within the government have the authority and the technology to access data from users on online gaming networks. The act of eavesdropping on your online gaming account is being compared to tracking e-mails and telephone calls, which federal agencies already have the authority to do.

It points to an increasing importance in all digital communications. The fact is that people engaged in serious federal crimes are becoming smart enough to avoid using easily trackable means of communication. In addition, for some crimes, like pedophilia, the gaming community might be a more prime environment to entice victims and perpetrate crimes. No one is saying that terrorists are logging onto Call of Duty online to plot their next attack on US soil, but it is an undeniable fact that platforms like Xbox Live have a very well-constructed means of communication.

According to a report on ThreatPost.com, the Homeland Security agency, as well as the United States Navy, have established a way to gain access to private activity and conversations through online game networks with the help of cyber forensics company Obscure Technologies. Of course, the murky area here is the law. Privacy is always a touchy subject, so the privacy advocates out there will be very troubled by this news.

[via Threat Post]