[PSA/Article] Passwords for electronic devices - UK

I thought the post about passwords being covered by fifth amendment rights in the US was really interesting so I've done some research about the laws in the UK, and unfortunately these laws do not apply.

In the UK you can be jailed for refusing to give up your password for an electronic device or drive. It's not quite the land of the free here.


Comments


[5 Points] Vendor_BBMC:

David cameron is trying to make encryption illegal. (Not PGP I don't think, modern encryption they haven't had 25 years to weaken and de-randomize)

After that, its going to be illegal to whisper, in case you're whispering about terrorist acts.

You'll need a Home Office licence for venetian blinds and its curtains for curtains.


[2 Points] None:

Same goes in Australia. I also heard the UK government is trying to make encryption illegal. I also heard the UK government banned porn?!


[2 Points] None:

I have know this for a while. You can be jailed for failing to give any passwords, encryption keys and so on. The best thing you can do is keep any sensitive data on a flash drive and keep it somewhere nice and safe. As for your online accounts I'm not too sure. I guess you have to make a decision if you are ever asked for your password, is the time you would do for not giving it up less than what you would serve if they could prove you have been ordering drugs or anything else deep web related. Tough call.


[1 Points] None:

It's ok man. America isn't quite the land of the free either


[1 Points] Axaq:

There's a difference between "not giving" and "not knowing" your password, they won't believe it but they can't prove it. Risky move but it worked out for me, I claimed that I hadn't used the phone for months because I couldn't unlock it.


[1 Points] None:

I do know a person who claimed vehemently that he'd forgotten the password, plead being an old drug addled hippy. There wasn't much they could do.