FBI: We Need Wiretap-Ready Web Sites – Now

Cnet: Cnet is reporting that the FBI is meeting with Internet industry leaders asking them not to fight new legislation that would require Web services to build in back doors that would make it easier for law enforcement to conduct surveillance of suspected criminals. An FBI proposal would amend the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) so that it would apply not only to telecommunications and broadband networks, but also to any Web service above a minimum threshold of users that provides communications capabilities.

Tech companies are unlikely to favor the expansion of the wire-tapping law. Microsoft and Apple say their lobbyists are following the issue. In addition, privacy groups have expressed concerns as well. “I worry about the government mandating backdoors into these kinds of communications,” said Jennifer Lynch, an attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.