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Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

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Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#1

Post by seanieb »

I wrote this after the case of a Washington Post reporter, Hannah Natanson, was compelled to unlock her computer with her fingerprint. This resulted in access to her Desktop Signal on her computer, revealing sources and their conversations.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/washington-post-raid-pro...

Edit: I've a lot more details about the legality and precedence on the apps landing page https://paniclock.github.io/

Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock
github.com

Re: Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#2

Post by mrdomino- »

Neat idea.

I remember way back in the day, there was some question as to the legality of compelled unlocking of devices; IIRC, it’s been deemed legal to compel a fingerprint, but illegal (under the first amendment?) to compel entry of a password—IIRC, as long as that password hasn’t been written down anywhere.

I gather this is written to that end primarily? Or is there some other goal as well?

Re: Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#3

Post by seanieb »

mrdomino- wrote: post #2

Neat idea. I remember way back in the day, there was some question as to the legality of compelled unlocking of devices; IIRC, it’s been deemed legal to compel a fingerprint, but illegal (under the first amendment?) to compel entry of a password—IIRC, as long as that password hasn’t been written down anywhere. I gather this is written to that end primarily? Or is there some other goal as well?

I wrote this after the case of a Washington Post reporter, Hannah Natanson, was compelled to unlock her computer with her fingerprint. This resulted in access to her Desktop Signal on her computer, revealing sources and their conversations.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/washington-post-raid-pro...

Edit: I've a lot more details about the legality and precedence on the apps landing page https://paniclock.github.io/

Re: Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#4

Post by xoxxala »

mrdomino- wrote: post #2

Neat idea. I remember way back in the day, there was some question as to the legality of compelled unlocking of devices; IIRC, it’s been deemed legal to compel a fingerprint, but illegal (under the first amendment?) to compel entry of a password—IIRC, as long as that password hasn’t been written down anywhere. I gather this is written to that end primarily? Or is there some other goal as well?

The website has some more info on the biometric vs. password debate and legal situation:

https://paniclock.github.io/

Re: Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#8

Post by chuckadams »

Forgeties79 wrote: post #6

PSA to iOS users: if you tap the lock button 5x it forces password-only unlocking. Useful at protests or any precarious situations with law enforcement.

Bringing up the shutdown screen (hold lock and either volume button) will also do it.

Re: Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#9

Post by itsdesmond »

p0w3n3d wrote: post #7

What's the rationale? It should be described in the README.md IMO

A person might use it to stop someone getting into your computer through certain types of physical coercion, forcing your finger to the reader, or (much less likely but I’m sure security services know how) a copy of your fingerprint.

But it isn’t a why, it is a what. That what is a tool that lets you quickly disable Touch ID for whatever reason you want to.

Re: Show HN: PanicLock – Close your MacBook lid disable TouchID –> password unlock

#10

Post by seanieb »

p0w3n3d wrote: post #7

What's the rationale? It should be described in the README.md IMO

That's good feedback. I just added it to the readme:

> "PanicLock fills a gap macOS leaves open: there is no built-in way to instantly disable Touch ID when it matters. Biometrics are convenient day-to-day, and sometimes preferable when you need speed or want to avoid your password being observed. But in sensitive situations, law enforcement and border agents in many countries can compel a biometric unlock in ways they cannot with a password. PanicLock gives you a one-click menu bar button, a customizable hotkey, or an automatic lock-on-lid-close option that immediately disables Touch ID and locks your screen, restoring password-only protection without killing your session or shutting down."

I've more details on the apps landing page - paniclock.github.io

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