[mcantelon]

>I don't want to sound dismissive, but the conspiracy theory stuff - that they targeted him because of SOPA or whatnot - is not something that anyone I know takes seriously.

Interesting that the Secret Service ECTF took over the investigation into Swartz despite the fact his crime doesn't meet any of their stated criteria for involvement ("Significant economic or community impact", "Participation of organized criminal groups involving multiple districts or transnational organizations", or "Use of schemes involving new technology").

http://www.emptywheel.net/2013/01/13/two-days-before-cambrid...

[danielweber]

The Secret Service was brought in before MIT knew who the intruder was. Thinking they were brought in to get revenge against Swartz is serious tin-foil hat territory.

[sociotech]

I haven't looked into the details, but "new technology" means something different to the public than it means to us. Publicizing a valuable database sounds like it's in their mandate.

[mcantelon]

>"new technology" means something different to the public than it means to us.

Good point. Would be interesting to see with what frequency they get involved in these kinds of cases.