FCC Demands Universities Comply With Wiretap Law

tabdelgawad writes "The New York Times reports that the FCC is requiring universities to upgrade their online systems to comply with the 1994 wiretap law, which would make it easier for law enforcement to monitor communications online. The universities are not objecting on civil rights grounds (the law requires a court order before monitoring), but on cost grounds (upgrades may cost $7 billion). But with the technology infrastructure in place, what happens if congress decides to relax court order requirements in the future 'in their fight against criminals, terrorists and spies?'"

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[Lurk3r]

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Re:Nice

[timmyf2371]

Sorry to break it to you, but you might want to read up on the Regulatory of Investgatory Powers Bill.

In summary, the Government can "request" your password/encryption key at any time. Failure to hand it over, or even to disclose to anyone that you have been "asked" is a criminal offence punishable by jailtime. Oh, and a bunch of other goodies which totally make a mockery of our justice system and civil rights.

Universities are the best place to look!

[mc6809e]

University Professor Endorses Jihad

Jihad at San Francisco State

CU prof's essay sparks dispute - Prof Ward Churchill says 9/11 victims were not innocent people

USF Professor Sami Al-Arian calls for "Death of Israel" and "Damn America"

University of New Mexico Professor Richard Berthold addressed the terrorist attacks in his morning class on Western Civilization, remarking, "Anyone who can bomb the Pentagon has my vote

US Universities have been especially anti-American since the '60s.
Of course, they don't mind that the government helps to pay their salaries.

Re:Nice

[markh1967]

and a handgun ban are pretty bad.

When it comes to guns the UK population in general has a completely different attitude to than the US. The ban on firearms has practicly the complete support of politicians and the public; there is no gun lobby and it's a non-issue politicly. It could be seen as a reduction in civil rights if people in the UK wanted to own firearms but weren't allowed to but, as things stand, it's universally regarded as a good law. My local shop sells some gun magazines but, tellingly, they store them on the top shelf with the pornography.