Freezing More Than Bits: Chilling Effects of the OLPC XO Security Model

A paper that will be presented at the USENIX Usability, Psychology and Security (UPSEC) conference takes a look at the OLPC Bitfrost security model [PDF]. "In this paper, we discuss Bitfrost, the security model developed by the One Laptop Per Child project for its XO laptop computers. Bitfrost implements a number of security measures intended primarily to deter theft and malware, but which also introduce severe threats to data security and individual privacy. We describe several of the technical provisions in Bitfrost, outline the risks they enable, and consider their legal ramifications and the psychological impact posed for children and society."

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