The U.S. Government Now Wants Your Web Passwords

Feds Tell Web Firms To Turn Over User Account Passwords -- CNet

Secret demands mark escalation in Internet surveillance by the federal government through gaining access to user passwords, which are typically stored in encrypted form.

The U.S. government has demanded that major Internet companies divulge users' stored passwords, according to two industry sources familiar with these orders, which represent an escalation in surveillance techniques that has not previously been disclosed.

If the government is able to determine a person's password, which is typically stored in encrypted form, the credential could be used to log in to an account to peruse confidential correspondence or even impersonate the user. Obtaining it also would aid in deciphering encrypted devices in situations where passwords are reused.

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More News On The U.S. Government Telling Web Firms To Turn Over User Account Passwords

Federal agents reportedly demanding passwords from websites -- Slash Gear
Report: Feds Are Demanding User Passwords from Web Companies -- Gizmodo
Feds demand web companies turn over users’ passwords, encryption algorithms -- Daily Caller
Federal Government Allegedly Asking Major Internet Companies For User Passwords -- Ubergizmo
Feds Now Demanding Internet Companies Hand Over User Passwords Too -- Techdirt