#
Date sent:         Mon, 10 Feb 2003 09:34:05 -0500
From:              Declan McCullagh 
To:                politech{at}politechbot.com
Subject:           FC: Weekly column: John Ashcroft's worrying 
                   DSEA surveillance plans
Send reply to:     declan{at}well.com


http://news.com.com/2010-1071-983921.html
   
   Perspectives: Ashcroft's worrisome spy plans
   By Declan McCullagh
   February 10, 2003, 4:00 AM PT

   WASHINGTON--Attorney General John Ashcroft wants even more power to
   snoop on the Internet, spy on private conversations and install secret
   microphones, spyware and keystroke loggers. 
   
   Ashcroft's Justice Department has quietly crafted a whopping 120-page
   proposal that represents the boldest attack yet on our electronic
   privacy in the name of thwarting future terrorist attacks. The
   nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity posted the draft legislation,
   which reads like J. Edgar Hoover's wish list, on its Web site Friday.
   
   Called the Domestic Security Enhancement Act (DSEA), the legislation
   has not been formally introduced in Congress, and a representative for
   Ashcroft indicated on Friday that it's a work in progress. But the
   fact that the legislation is under consideration already, before we
   know the effects of its USA Patriot Act predecessor, should make us
   realize that the Bush administration thinks "homeland security" is 
   the root password to the Constitution.
                                                                         
   Don't believe me? Keep reading and peruse some of DSEA's highlights:
   
   o  The FBI and state police would be able to eavesdrop on what Web
   sites you visit, what you search for with Google and with whom you
   chat through e-mail and instant messaging--all without a court order
   for up to 48 hours. That's if you're suspected of what would become 
   a new offense of "activities threatening the national security
   interest."
   
   o  Currently police can seek a warrant to "require the disclosure by 
   a provider of electronic communication service of the contents of an
   electronic communication." Under existing law, police must notify the
   target of an investigation except in rare cases such as when witnesses
   may be intimidated or a prospective defendant might flee. DSEA allows
   police to delay notification for three months simply by citing
   "national security."

   [...]

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Cheers, Steve..

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