Congress takes a nip at big brother

The U.S. House of Representatives last week passed an amendment that places the FBI’s controversial Carnivore electronic surveillance system under tightened congressional scrutiny.

The provision, introduced by Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.), requires the U.S. attorney general to report to Congress at the end of 2001 and 2002 on the extent of the program, how many times it was used, the identities of those at the Department of Justice who approve its use, and the criteria for such approval.

“Under the Department of Justice’s interpretation of current law, the FBI is allowed to access virtually any e-mail, without probable cause,” Barr said. “This amendment will require the Justice Department to fully disclose its use of this invasive surveillance technology.”??






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