[ISN] Vatican warning on danger of 'online confession'

From: InfoSec News (isnat_private)
Date: Thu Jan 09 2003 - 22:42:59 PST

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    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-538079,00.html
    
    From Richard Owen in Rome
    January 10, 2003 
    
    The Vatican has warned Catholic bishops and priests not to use the 
    internet to hear "online confessions" in case they are read by 
    "ill-intentioned people such as hackers" for purposes such as 
    blackmail. 
    
    The Holy See's judicial arm said there was a risk that criminals would 
    misuse confidential information intended for the eyes of a confessor 
    only. 
    
    It did not say if the warning had been prompted by an actual case of 
    blackmail. No figures have been released for the number of confessions 
    heard online. The Vatican has embraced the internet with enthusiasm, 
    and since 1997 has had an efficient website powered by computers named 
    after the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael and run by nuns. 
    
    The Pope, while warning of the "dark uses" to which the internet can 
    be put and the "temptations" it offers, has used it to send messages 
    and prayers around the world. However, he is against group confessions 
    and collective absolutions. 
    
    [...]
    
    
    
    
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