Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

"Or should the police never be allowed in your house under any circumstance?"

The only circumstance is with my consent.

Unfortunately I cannot prevent physical intrusions. When it comes to security of data however thankfully things have been improving.




Sometimes the police might need to enter someones property or get access to data to stop crime.

Whilst I think that of course people should stand up for civil liberties etc we have to bear in mind if we completely neutered the police your civil liberties aren't worth shit as a criminal can just take them from you as nobody has enough power to gather evidence against them.

You then risk people turning to mob justice with no due process whatsoever.


In a world where I have an absolute defence against the invasion of police officers, I also have protection against criminals. The "real world" version of cryptography does not of course exist, but nevertheless I subscribe to the belief that all transactions should be voluntary.

Police can serve warrants to search my home. There is nothing I can do to stop them, and I won't attempt to stop them (since I value my life). However that does not mean I consent or approve. "They have a warrant", provides me with zero comfort.

tl;dr: Police are going to keep being police without my approval, so I don't see why my system of ethics needs to give them room to operate.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: