Homeland Security must disclose cell network 'kill switch' protocols, court says
Summary: The U.S. government's rules governing its ability to shut down cellular and wireless networks to prevent remote bomb detonation must be disclosed, a court has ruled.
Homeland Security's ability to shut down cellular and wireless networks in times of crisis, such as the potential of a remote detonation bomb threat isn't new. Exactly how and when it can be used, however, must be disclosed, thanks to a new ruling by a Washington D.C.-based court.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected Homeland Security's argument that its reasoning and protocols for the dubbed "Internet kill switch" were exempt from public disclosure.
The court ordered the release of the protocol in the next 30 days. Homeland Security can appeal the decision, but it's not clear if the agency will.
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), which obtained a copy of the court ruling [PDF], is seeking details of Homeland Security's so-called "Standard Operating Procedure 303."
http://epic.org/foia/EPICvDHS-SOP303-Opinion.pdf
http://www.zdnet.com/homeland-security-must-disclose-cell-network-kill-switch-protocols-court-says-7000023217/
