+1
The NSA wiretapping program has grown exponentially. Michigan has the most wiretaps of any state.
Legally contrary to popular myth a warrant is only required on PSTN conversations, and cell phones, internet and VOIP call scan be wire tapped without a warrant. Now in many cases they will get a warrant (usually after evidence is discovered) as to avoid a legal challenge that might alert the public that wiretapping can be done warrantless.
PSTN = Public Switched Telephone Network.
I don't claim to know much but after 32 years in the telephone industry and working in house at a central office I have seen many many wire tap orders. During most of that time I was also Licensed by the Michigan State Police and ran a Detective agency. During this time I also was heavily involved in electronic surveillance counter measure and met G. Gordon Liddy and for a few years talked with him on the subject and compared note countless times. Even though I have Philosophical differences with his mindset, I will admit he is not only interesting, but extremely intelligent far beyond his public persona. A great guy to have coffee with and talk shop.
But always remember this, and I will probably hear from the Computer geek self proclaimed experts on how encryption conquers all. It won't it never has and all encryption has been broken and will be broken in due time. If man can create it man can break it. I love how the Geeks claim it can't be broken then when asked why there's always new and improved encryption algorithms they all have differing answers. Fact is the reason encryption is being improved is to keep the code breakers at bay. Those who write encryption all say the same thing, the constant war to improve is because the encryption eventually gets broken and so there is this never ending battle to keep rolling the code and improving it to keep the crackers, and code breakers trailing behind.
There is only one way, face to face with plenty of surrounding white noise (wind ) to scramble electronic means.
I tell everyone the same thing as I have for almost 32 years ... if it's that sensitive of information you should NEVER transmit it over any electronic medium ever. Fact to face in the middle of a windy field is the best place. Wind = white or pink noise which causes problems with electronic surveillance.
I think our government, esp. at the national level, has shown time and time again that it is willing to abuse technology to spy on people, illegally if need be. Recall the NSA wiretap program?
I wouldn't put it past our government to put the ears on to two citizens in the crowd they THINK has ties to Terrorism (or the opposing political party, remember Watergate?)
Yes, with great power cones great responsibility. I don't trust our national government with it.