Dell laptops spy on their users

My friend Ethan pointed me to an article he found on digg today that describes how an engineer found a hidden hardware keystroke recorder in his new dell laptop.

Dell support refused to explain the device, and after contacting the police, he was turned to the Department of Homeland security who asked him to submit a freedom of information act request. This is the letter he got back:

[Image: homelandletter]

EXCUSE ME?

So not only do new dell laptops apparently come with hardware that records every keystroke, but you are not allowed to know why it’s there or what the STOLEN PRIVATE DATA is used for or how it is STORED OR TRANSMITTED??

That’s one damn good reason not to buy a Dell.