FBI: We need wiretap-ready web sites -- now

The FBI is asking Internet companies not to oppose a controversial proposal that would require  firms, including Microsoft, Facebook, Yahoo, and Google, to build in backdoors for government surveillance.

In meetings with industry representatives, the White House, and U.S. senators, senior FBI officials argue the dramatic shift in communication from the telephone system to the Internet has made it far more difficult for agents to wiretap Americans suspected of illegal activities, CNET has learned.

The FBI general counsel's office has drafted a proposed law that the bureau claims is the best solution: requiring that social-networking Web sites and providers of VoIP, instant messaging, and Web e-mail alter their code to ensure their products are wiretap-friendly.

"If you create a service, product, or app that allows a user to communicate, you get the privilege of adding that extra coding," a person who has reviewed the FBI's draft legislation told CNET. The requirements apply only if a threshold of a certain number of users is exceeded, according to a second person briefed on it.

Continue reading this story on CNET ...

[TJphoto]

Give it to them. Our government would never abuse such a power. Pass the prozac please. The fact is they will and we need to draw a line in the sand and vote everyone out of office who would even consider this.

[ludvig1-2009]

And we write about the Chinese controlling their internet?

[msdtr]

I wish the Government would stay out of our way/business and let "The People," fix this Country. I feel that the majority of problems today stem from the Government sticking their nose into every aspect of our lives and quite frankly, "The People," are sick and tired of it. We are tired of Politicians making huge salaries while telling everyone else how to cut back in just about every aspect of daily living. The American people are tired of the petty BS between the political parties and truly feel ignored and insulted by the idea that our Government feels they must wipe our noses for us and tell us how to eat etc. They want to have big brother??? They already have it. WE cannot go more than a couple blocks without being on camera. Our Government needs Change, but not the change that was promised in 2008. It's a new playing field and the Government changed the playing rules. "The People have and will adjust and WE will SUCCEED in winning back our Country and keep our Constitution intact. Don't like it or agree????? THEN LEAVE. . .

[Bouillabaisse]

The FBI certainly has become lazy bastards.

[LaRoseel]

Without a warrant, accountability; with checks and balances, will not be present!! Someone has to watch big brother!!!

[venusvegasvada]

Year after year, Congress fails do it's job. It's gridlock this and gridlock that. Congress can't even do the most basic functions- like run a balanced budget.

But spying on the American people? Not only is that ok, but hey, let's get all the big players to make it turn-key easy for the Feds to do it?

You have to be kidding me.

Even if they pass such legislation, it will be just like illegal firearms. The bad guys always come up with ways around it. I.E. Why couldn't they just use offshore email servers and encrypt their messages?

How is this legislation going to stop that?

[micmac666]

Oppose this.

[boatdocster]

1984, just a few years too late. Combined with the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), the government wants the right to monitor you 24/7 regardless of the Constitution.

And CISPA grants 100% total immunity to any web service that shares your most personal information with Uncle Sam. No legal redress of any kind, PERIOD!!

[rightbehind]

That's the wrong kind of government.