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Washington Post Raid Is a Frightening Reminder: Turn Off Your Phone’s Biometrics Now (theintercept.com)
submitted 7 months ago by to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
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The recent federal raid on the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson isn’t merely an attack by the Trump administration on the free press. It’s also a warning to anyone with a smartphone.

Included in the search and seizure warrant for the raid on Natanson’s home is a section titled “Biometric Unlock,” which explicitly authorized law enforcement personnel to obtain Natanson’s phone and both hold the device in front of her face and to forcibly use her fingers to unlock it. In other words, a judge gave the FBI permission to attempt to bypass biometrics: the convenient shortcuts that let you unlock your phone by scanning your fingerprint or face.-

It is not clear if Natanson used biometric authentication on her devices, or if the law enforcement personnel attempted to use her face or fingers to unlock her devices. Natanson and the Washington Post did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The FBI declined to comment.

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[–] 5 points 7 months ago*

For the clothing thing, it should be enough to buy from a thrift store. Just pay with cash to be safe. Although if you're planning to do something that'll make you of particular interest this may not be enough. Thrift stores do have cameras, and the police could theoretically look for a particular set of clothing being purchased. Its incredibly unlikely and would take a ridiculous amount of effort, but it is possible.

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