Privacy at stake: Lavabit.com's owner legal defense fund

I thought I'd make a quick post about a legal defense fund setup by the owner of a US based privacy-friendly email service. Lavabit was recently shuttered due to an investigation involving Snowden. For those who don't know Edward Snowden recently leaked classified information pertinent to protecting the privacy and rights of Americans. It highlighted the abuse of several governments involving people in countries everywhere.

At this point Ladar Levison, owner of Lavabit, has not been arrested, although the email service was voluntarily closed because of ongoing investigations. Based on what has been said the orders he received demanded that he compromise the security of all users in the effort to survival just one. The reason for this is that Lavabit takes steps to prevent even its administrator(s) from accessing its users private email. Had this order targeted a specific user or set of users his company would have (and has in the past) complied.

For those who have a few dollars | pounds | euros | etc to spare I'd highly encourage a donation. I've contributed a small amount and hope you will too.

Regardless of whether any legal action is taken against Ladar Levison I would encourage people to donate. He gave up a successful business for our benefit (regardless of your use of the service) and undoubtedly a significant income stream. Such actions I believe should be rewarded.

http://www.lavabit.com/