Is all hacking wrong ?

[modeller]

Many criminals , terrorists , dodgy MPs , FIFA bribes, Pakistani match fixers, etc
have been finally caught by hacking . Hacking is used after a crime has been committed or suspected but where do you draw the line ?

[MarkRae]

The legitimate investigation techniques of law enforcement agencies are very different from invasions of privacy by sleazy journalists...

[modeller]

You are right but many cases are first uncovered by hackers that are not employed by law enforcement agencies.

[Gromit]

// dodgy MPs , FIFA bribes, Pakistani match fixers, etc have been finally caught by hacking //

No they haven't.

[keyplus90]

And NOW also lost a court case involving on of Pakistani match fixers. Journalism has some rules and they should be followed.

[jno]

which court case was that, keyplus?

Not all journalistic scoops involve 'hacking'. Regarding MPs' expenses, someone who worked inthe expenses department took the data to the Telegraph. (He took it to other papers first but they refused it because it was stolen property - a different offence.) Pakistani cricketers fell victim to a sting operation; I don't know that hacking was involved there either.

Both those cases involved potentially criminal behaviour; there may be something to be said for going beyond the law in such cases. This does not apply to hacking celebs' voicemail in order to tell the world they're pregnant.

[askyourgran]

Yes, In the case of journalism for those who will bust a gut to get a story or picture by any means. But in the interests of security by the Police MI5 or other intelligence networks No.

I have to admit I wondered if the demise of the NoW meant the end of the un covering of sleazy goings on of sports stars MP's etc.

[alexanderd]

not when the Sun on Sunday comes out gran

[askyourgran]

Forgot about the Sun, Jeeez it's worst than the NoW alex.

[jake-the-peg]

Hacking is as wrong as burglary - it's information theft.

Like burglary you can construct a scenario where greater good is served and it's therefore justifiable.

[modeller]

Gromit // No they haven't. //
They are called White Hackers and are employed by companies to investigate suspected fraud and other criminal activities.

[keyplus90]

JNO - OK it might not be a "court" case but Press complaint Commission is considered pre-court authority when you are dealing with press. Here is the link but their further action (as mentioned there) may not go ahead now as there is no more N-O-W.

http://sports.ndtv.co...nst-news-of-the-world

[jno]

thanks, keyplus. The PCC looks like being abolished before it can take any further action.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14085735