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Analysis of New Internet Wiretap Laws

Posted by michael on from the body-cavity-search dept.

securitas writes: "The most controversial part of the Combatting Terrorism Act of 2001 is Section 832 (full text) that would expand government powers to capture information about your Internet activities. A UCLA law professor and the former NSA general counsel debate the pros and cons at Slate in a series of e-mails this week (see the upper left hand side for links to each day's exchange). Here's an overview at the NY Times Archive (no registration required)."

2 of 169 comments (clear)

  1. Many people.. by mindstrm · · Score: 3, Insightful

    In that news survey, said they were willing to give up some privacy if it would have prevented the attacks. Well.. what a loaded question.

    Would they also be willing to give up that privacy if it would have both prevented those attacks, and meant the government now recorded everything you say? I doubt it.

    What if they had outlawed any interstate travel wtihout a license to be presented at each state border? Hmm.. I doubt it.

    Also... what's with all the buzz about increased airline security? These hijackers could have used *anything* and accomplished their mission. They did not have big, scary guns or deadly weapons. They had tiny sharp objects, and the threat of a bomb.

    I wonder if any changes will be made to FAA regulations regarding travelling without presenting identification (You CAN do this, perfectly legally, by the way... the airlines are NOT allowed to demand identification.. though they have different procedures to follow if you don' thave any, regarding handling of your bags)

  2. Dishonoring those who died by guygee · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The acts of the political profiteers in this country who are using the deaths of thousands to push their pre-existing anti-civle liberties political agendas are only surpassed by the heinous acts of the terrorists themselves. Both parties are waging war against the American citizens.

    There is no evidence, nor plausible scenario, in which internet wiretapping of American citizens could have prevented the horrific events of Spetember 11. All of the acts, as well as planning and support, was carried out by non-citizens, many who were apparently here illegally.