EFF Sues FBI for Records About Paid Geek Squad Informants

itman · Jun 1, 2017

Be careful in who you use for computer repair.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the FBI for the purpose of obtaining documents that reveal more details about the Bureau's close relationship with Geek Squad, a Best Buy division specialized in computer repairs.

The EFF's lawsuit stems from the revelations made during the USA vs. Rettenmaier case, during which the defendant's lawyers have revealed details about a secret collaboration between the FBI and some Geek Squad employees.

Rettenmaier case blows lid off FBI-Geek Squad collaboration

Rettenmaier legal team discovered that the FBI had spent years training and supplying tools to Geek Squad employees, who then used them to intentionally search people's computers for what may account as illegal content.

Lawyers argued that the FBI was using their Geek Squad contacts to bypass the Fourth Amendment and search people's data without probable cause, intruding on a person's right to privacy.

Furthermore, Rettenmaier's team discovered that the FBI was paying Geek Squad employees who found "useful" data. Employees received between $500 and $1,000, albeit not all accepted the FBI's payments.

These practices have been confirmed at the Geek Squad office in Brooks, Kentucky. The EFF is now seeking FBI documents that will provide more insight on how widespread the FBI's practice is.
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https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...for-records-about-paid-geek-squad-informants/

ronjor · Jun 1, 2017

Posted here. https://www.wilderssecurity.com/thr...rrantless-searches.386041/page-2#post-2680945

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EFF Sues FBI for Records About Paid Geek Squad Informants

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