EQUAL ENFORCEMENT

The recently passed USA Patriot law has noble intentions but does little to address technologies that allow users to remain anonymous. For its goals to be achieved, all technologies must comply with legal statutes.

Like the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act previously on the books, the Patriot law gives federal law enforcement the authority to tap any phone line used by a suspect anywhere in the U.S. For traditional service providers already under the mandate, the law doesn't represent a significant change. But it won't have a major impact on those offering voice over IP, prepaid wireless services and voice-enabled instant messaging, which are just three of the technologies that allow users to communicate without offering up one bit of personal information to the service provider. 

Moreover, service providers offering those technologies—particularly VoIP—believe the CALEA law does not apply to them (see related story). It's ironic that VoIP, developed in part by the Israeli military for secure communications, could now be used by avowed enemies of the U.S. — some of whom justify their actions because of U.S. support for Israel. Networks are strategic assets that need to be treated with an even regulatory hand. Irrespective of heritage or technology, service providers of all stripes must be held accountable to the same laws.