Is it a news article or malware?

Back in 2007, the FBI bugged the computer of a 15-year-old student who was suspected to be behind a number of bomb threats that hit Washington State High School.

So how did they do it? The FBI buried malware into a link that resembled a news report. 

“It’s not that difficult anymore,” says Jonathan Zittrain, Professor of Law at Harvard University.

All you needed to have was an article persuasive enough for the suspect to click on and you’re well on your way to delivering a package of tracking malware.

Now, the question is: Where should the government should draw the line? 

Click the media player above to hear Jonathan Zittrain in conversation with Marketplace Tech host Ben Johnson.