Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Bill That Would Keep Companies From Blocking Defendants' Access To Evidence
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20190923/18322143049/rep-mark-takano-introduces-bill-that-would-keep-companies-blocking-defendants-access-to-evidence.shtml
When the government doesn't want to talk about its law enforcement tech, it dismisses cases. The FBI has done this on several occasions. First, it told local law enforcement to dismiss cases rather than discuss Stingray use in court. Then it did the same thing with its homegrown malware in child porn cases.
But the government can't do everything itself. It purchases software and outsources forensic investigation. All well and good except when it comes to prosecutions. Defendants have a right to access the evidence being used against them. But in court cases where third-party tech is in play, private companies are inserting themselves into the proceedings to demand the courts protect their "trade secrets."