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Experts Say Wiretap Law Needs Digital Era Update

Posted by Soulskill on from the only-a-couple-of-decades-late dept.

GovTechGuy writes "Experts at a Congressional hearing Thursday said the government needs to update the Electronic Communications Privacy Act to reflect changes in technology, notably location-based services. On one hand, legal experts argue tracking a mobile user's location should require a higher burden of proof than simply intercepting their communications. On the other hand, first responders may need location data in order to save lives and respond to 911 calls. Either way, expect legislation from the committee later this year."

5 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. This law is only as useful as it is enforced by CyprusBlue113 · · Score: 4, Informative

    And the previous track record of stopping illegal wire tapping is abysmal...

    --
    a handful of selfish greedy people are no match for millions of selfish, greedy people -u4ya
  2. Either way, expect legislation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    The most prescient statement in the write-up.

  3. Re:how did we manage by mshannon78660 · · Score: 2, Informative

    We called from landlines, and emergency services used the database of location information provided to them by the phone companies that installed the landlines. And yes, if someone was injured in a location without telephones, they did often die.

  4. Re:how did we manage by Wiarumas · · Score: 2, Informative

    You had to use a land line, which was associated with a certain address, or you needed to tell the operator where you located.

    --
    I will bend like a reed in the wind.
  5. Translation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    The police state needs an upgrade.

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    Toro