When Gail Thackeray first spoke at DEF CON 1 there was no world wide web, state sponsored computer warfare was the stuff of science fiction, and international mafias had yet to become major players in computer crime.Internationally known for her role in Operation Sundevil, the former prosecuting attorney will discuss the changes in the computer security legal landscape since she first spoke at DEF CON. She will also discuss the evolution of the relationship between the computer security researcher community and law enforcement and government.
Twenty years ago, Dead Addict practically begged Gail Thackeray to appear at DEF CON, even though she was actively prosecuting several of his close friends. Since then the government (law enforcement, military, and intelligence community) has actively participated in DEF CON; to the point where we’ve been given the moniker ‘FED CON’. Dead Addict will discuss the evolving relationship between government, the hacker community, and the civil liberties community. While obviously at odds with each other in some areas, there is also shared ground between these groups. This year he was happy to be able invite Gail again, this time not begging as much, and thankfully she isn’t prosecuting any of his friends.
Following their talk, Gail and Dead Addict will give a special introduction to our Special Guest Speaker [REDACTED], [REDACTED] of the [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].