More coverage of FBI, VoIP and CALEA [priv]

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/NewsWatch/2105E6314F309E1486256E64003BA31D?OpenDocument&Headline=Internet+is+wiretapping+frontier
        
Internet is wiretapping frontier
By Michael D. Sorkin
Of the Post-Dispatch
03/27/2004


The FBI already can intercept phone lines, e-mails and instant messaging 
with ease.

Now it's fighting for even faster and easier access. The bureau and 
other law enforcement agencies are in a battle with the companies that 
transmit the e-mails, phone calls and instant messages.

Police would still need a court order to tap phone or computer lines, 
and that likely won't change.

The current battle is over whether the FBI will dictate the technology 
to eavesdrop on Internet communications. Also at stake: whether you will 
pay more to use the Internet.

This month, the FBI unveiled a plan to require all U.S. broadband 
providers, including cable and DSL companies, to rewire their Internet 
networks to make it easier for police agencies to intercept messages.

...


The government's ability to stop terrorism "is significantly dependent 
upon our ability to intercept communications," says Greg Motta, an FBI 
associate general counsel.

"At a time when our country is debating - did our intelligence-gathering 
agencies fail us in 9-11? - the FBI is saying that if we do not resolve 
this problem, we cannot do an adequate job to protect the American 
people," Motta warns.

...
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