X-Message-Number: 524 From: Ralph Merkle <> Subject: Re: cryonics: #517 - #522 Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1991 18:27:38 PST There's been some discussion about security of information at Alcor. Briefly, it is necessary to assume that most, if not all information at Alcor can be obtained by someone who is sufficiently motivated. A modestly ambitious investigation run by any investigative agency with even an ounce of competence would recover most "sensitive" Alcor information. Let us suppose that at some point during the next few decades some agency of the local, state, or federal government; or the heirs of some particularly rich suspension member, decide to investigate Alcor. To this end, they hire a private investigator who poses as a new and interested member of Alcor. Following the "new members" sign-up, it becomes apparent that the "new member" is deeply interested and volunteers to perform various tasks. This will be met with joy, and the "new member" will rapidly gain access to most Alcor information. In my opinion it is likely that such an investigation will take place at some point. As a consequence, it is essential that all Alcor activities be conducted with the possibility in mind that the activity will appear both in a court case and in the local newspaper. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=524