Feds extend wiretap reach
FCC decision denounced by privacy groups
by Kalpana Srinivasan, Associated Press
(San Antonio Express-News, 8/28/99, p 16A)
((bold for stress added by Dennis))
Washington - The government announced rules Friday that will give the FBI and other law
enforcement agencies new electronic surveillance capabilities, letting them keep up with
such technology as cell phones and conference calls.
The Federal Communications Commission’s order, implementing a 1994 law, will let
authorities get a cell phone user’s location at a call’s beginning and end -- as long as a
court approves.
Privacy groups objected strongly to the decision, saying it turns cell phones into
tracking devices.
Besides the location rule -- which the industry had proposed -- the FCC also imposed new
standards law enforcement authorities had sought.
For example, the FBI now can listen in on the cell and ordinary phone conversations of all
parties to a conference call, even if some are put on hold and are no longer talking to the
target of the legal wiretap.
“Our actions today will help ensure that law enforcement has the most up-to-date
technology to fight crime,” FCC Chairman Bill Kennard said.
The rules help implement a 1994 law that requires companies to make digital wiretapping
technology available to law enforcement.
The commission stepped in after the Justice Department, FBI and the telecommunications
industry failed to agre on a plan after years of negotiations. The Justice Department and
FBI got much of what it sought.
Under the order, the companies have until March to set equipment standards that integrate
the added requirements, and until Sept. 30, 2001 to implement them.
The Justice Department said the FCC’s order addressed its major concerns and would
aid officers in fighting terrorism, organized crime and illegal drug activity.
“The continuing technological changes in the nation’s telecommunications systems present
increasing challenges to law enforcement,” Attorney General Janet Reno said in a
statement. “This ruling will enable law enforcement to keep pace with these changes and
ensure we will be able to maintain our capability to conduct court-authorized electronic
surveillance.”
Privacy groups said these requirements overstep the 1994 law and are an attempt by the
government to broaden its wiretapping powers.
“We are deeply disappointed that on all the issues that mattered, the commission ruled
against privacy and in favor of expanded FBI surveillance,” said Jim Dempsey, counsel
at the Washington-based Center for Democracy and Technology, a privacy advocacy
group.
========================
Your tax dollars at work.
FCC decision denounced by privacy groups
by Kalpana Srinivasan, Associated Press
(San Antonio Express-News, 8/28/99, p 16A)
((bold for stress added by Dennis))
Washington - The government announced rules Friday that will give the FBI and other law
enforcement agencies new electronic surveillance capabilities, letting them keep up with
such technology as cell phones and conference calls.
The Federal Communications Commission’s order, implementing a 1994 law, will let
authorities get a cell phone user’s location at a call’s beginning and end -- as long as a
court approves.
Privacy groups objected strongly to the decision, saying it turns cell phones into
tracking devices.
Besides the location rule -- which the industry had proposed -- the FCC also imposed new
standards law enforcement authorities had sought.
For example, the FBI now can listen in on the cell and ordinary phone conversations of all
parties to a conference call, even if some are put on hold and are no longer talking to the
target of the legal wiretap.
“Our actions today will help ensure that law enforcement has the most up-to-date
technology to fight crime,” FCC Chairman Bill Kennard said.
The rules help implement a 1994 law that requires companies to make digital wiretapping
technology available to law enforcement.
The commission stepped in after the Justice Department, FBI and the telecommunications
industry failed to agre on a plan after years of negotiations. The Justice Department and
FBI got much of what it sought.
Under the order, the companies have until March to set equipment standards that integrate
the added requirements, and until Sept. 30, 2001 to implement them.
The Justice Department said the FCC’s order addressed its major concerns and would
aid officers in fighting terrorism, organized crime and illegal drug activity.
“The continuing technological changes in the nation’s telecommunications systems present
increasing challenges to law enforcement,” Attorney General Janet Reno said in a
statement. “This ruling will enable law enforcement to keep pace with these changes and
ensure we will be able to maintain our capability to conduct court-authorized electronic
surveillance.”
Privacy groups said these requirements overstep the 1994 law and are an attempt by the
government to broaden its wiretapping powers.
“We are deeply disappointed that on all the issues that mattered, the commission ruled
against privacy and in favor of expanded FBI surveillance,” said Jim Dempsey, counsel
at the Washington-based Center for Democracy and Technology, a privacy advocacy
group.
========================
Your tax dollars at work.