Precedent for Warrantless Net Monitoring Set

highcon writes "According to this editorial from SecurityFocus, a recent case of a drug dog which pushed the limits of "reasonable search" may have implications for Internet communications in the U.S. This Supreme Court case establishes a precendent whereby "intelligent" packet filters may be deployed which, while scanning the contents of network traffic indiscriminently, only "bark" at communication indicative of illegal activity."

Comments

Re:What ever happened to the Constitution?

[dbIII]

So law enforcement can just sit with a packet filter scanning for the word "drugs"?

To sum up, real law enforcement wants to be able to use the same methods the spooks have been using for some time.

A real blow to the Constitution.

Not as much as holding people without charge or trial for years. State sanctioned torture by the accepted international definition of torture, and contravening the Geneva convention are not contrary to the Constitution, but don't impress the neighbours.

The USA isn't going to get much respect until it is under adult supervision.

Re:What ever happened to the Constitution?

[Anonymous Coward]

Yeah, well, be sure to speak real loudly when you tell your wife over the cellphone to go pick up some groceries, you'll be home in an hour. Those underpaid cops don't hear too well, and they'll need to know how long they have to get in and out with a warrantless "search and seizure" of your jewlrey box.

Its really a penis.

[buswolley]

really? The internet is Like a penis. Its information is available to anyone who wants it bad enough.