via slashdot.org HughPickens.com writes When Apple published its first Transparency Report on government activity in late 2013, the document contained an important footnote that stated: "Apple has never received an order under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. We would expect to challenge such an order if served on us." Now Jeff John Roberts writes at Gigaom that Apple's warrant canary has disappeared. A review of the company's last two Transparency Reports, covering the second half of 2013 and the first six months of 2014, shows that the "canary" language is no longer there suggesting that Apple is now part of FISA or PRISM proceedings. Warrant canaries are a tool used by companies and publishers to signify to their users that, so far, they have not been subject to a given type of law enforcement request such as a secret subpoena. If the canary disappears, then it is likely the situation has changed — and the company has been subject to such request. This may also give some insight into Apple's recent decision to rework its latest encryption in a way that makes it almost impossible for the company to turn over data from most iPhones or iPads to police.
A person would be served well to remember that the government can easily give a "Plata O Plomo" ultimatum to just about any company and most individuals simply by making business extremely difficult if they don't comply. If that's not enough it's easy to hack your computer with illegal porn or suspicious banking activities. By the time you clear yourself your reputation would be ruined as well as your life. In schools it would be called bullying. With corrupt governments it's called business as usual. (topic drift) Just look at the IRS scandals, that made the news. Do you think that's the only thing that happens. Once upon a time the head of the FBI (J. Edgar Hoover) had so much dirt on people he could not be removed from office felt he ran the world. IMHO that's much how the game is played. The dirtier the man, the dirtier the game.
