Date: Fri, 20 Jan 1995 00:13:29 -0600 (CST) From: David Smith <bladex@BGA.COM> Subject: File 1--ACM Computers Seized by IIT (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- ACM Computers Seized By Illinois Institute of Technology "And let it be known throughout the world what was done this day..." Dateline January 17, 1995 Today sometime before noon today, the Illinois Institute of Technology seized the computer systems of the Association for Computing Machinery student chapter at IIT. 700 Student and Faculty users are not happy. And are now without their Email and other private files. The locations of the ACM systems is currently unknown, and the security of the system and the accounts on it is highly questionable, as it was quite literally riped out of the wall. ( a piece of the modem was found lying on the table ). The reasons given by IIT where that members of ACM are suspected of hacking into the computer of another IIT student group, and pulling several pranks. The memo sent to the Dean of Students details the hacking attempt, but no evidence points to ACM's systems or to any of their users, but the memo does make several unbacked accusations. And at this time, we can see no reason ACM would even be tied to the events. However because ACM members are suspect, the systems where unlawfully seized by IIT. IIT has no legal right to seize ACM's systems, nor anyone else, as they contain private accounts, files, and Email. Such rights are protected under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), which extended most of the protections of the federal Wiretap Act ("Title III") to electronic mail. Precidence established in the case Secret Service vs. Steve Jackson Games decided March 12, 1993 Needless to say, ACM members are not too happy about all of this. And the other 700 people don't seem happy either. --------------------------------------------- Dateline January 18, 1995 o Members realize that along with Troll, which is physicaly considered IIT's property even tho it was purchased with student funds, property of ACM members was also seized includind a network card, SIMM modules, and the modem that was broken by IIT during the seizure. o ACM recieves writen copy of allegations and supposed proof that ACM systems where used in the attempt. However the evidence clearly shows that other IIT owned systems where used and NOT ACM's systems. o Electronic Frontier Foundation is called and informed of the situation, and begins investigating the situation. o ACM HEARS THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING SEARCHED BY IIT STAFF, AND ACM MEMBERS NOW CONSIDER THE SYSTEM COMPROMISED. STILL NO EVIDENCE SHOWING ACM INVOLVEMENT. o Word continues to spread amung the IIT community, many more students and faculty are outraged about the seizure of their accounts and files. o Continued stress to students due to the lack of access to their Email, addressbooks, and other files. Email is now being lost in mass due to the o ACM systems removal, much of which is considered critical by many people. ACM members miss the Chicago ACM meeting due to the fact that all the info concerning time/location was stored on the seized systems. o ACM members miss the Chicago ACM meeting due to the fact that all the info concerning time/location was stored on the seized systems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To find out more about the anon service, send mail to help@anon.penet.fi. Due to the double-blind, any mail replies to this message will be anonymized, and an anonymous id will be allocated automatically. You have been warned. Please report any problems, inappropriate use etc. to admin@anon.penet.fi.