I’ll Take “Exploiting Tragedy” for $500, Alex!

Because, if Mike Huckabee and Republican (+1) US governors can do it, why can’t the US security apparatus? Encrypted Messaging Apps Face New Scrutiny Over Possible Role in Paris Attacks [pdf]

American and French officials say there is still no definitive evidence to back up their presumption that the terrorists who massacred 129 people in Paris used new, difficult-to-crack encryption technologies to organize the plot.

But in interviews, Obama administration officials say the Islamic State has used a range of encryption technologies over the past year and a half, many of which defy cracking by the National Security Agency. [...]

Nonetheless, such “end-to-end” encryption technology is now so widespread that the attack has revived vitriolic arguments between American intelligence officials and Silicon Valley. Only weeks ago, the matter appeared settled, at least temporarily, with a decision by President Obama that it would be fruitless for the government to try to compel the technology companies to provide the keys to protected conversations and data.