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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."

3 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. Just require immediate disclosure by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Require any tracking of location to be disclosed to the target immediately. This is easy for the firetruck or EMS to handle because they've got the coordinates and they're responding immediately.

  3. Wiretap updates by Wowsers · · Score: 5, Insightful

    A message to all the people in the US.

    Dear Citizen,

    We don't care about the courts or the Constitution with respect to your rights and privacy, and we will carry on doing what we like in secret.

    Yours Sincerely,
    Past / Present / Future President of the USA

    --
    Take Nobody's Word For It.