Without sounding like a conspiracy theory nut, the Patriot act gives the US government almost immutable and far reaching powers. Some are worried about the potential for a "sneak and peak" type search, where an agency may probe into a communication to look for evidence of some allegation without alerting any judicial body Sections 201 to 216 of the Act (*HR3162) define and grant such powers to US agencies: Sec. 201. Authority to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications relating to terrorism. Sec. 202. Authority to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications relating to computer fraud and abuse offenses. Sec. 203. Authority to share criminal investigative information. Sec. 204. Clarification of intelligence exceptions from limitations on interception and disclosure of wire, oral, and electronic communications. Sec. 205. Employment of translators by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sec. 206. Roving surveillance authority under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Sec. 207. Duration of FISA surveillance of non-United States persons who are agents of a foreign power. Sec. 208. Designation of judges. Sec. 209. Seizure of voice-mail messages pursuant to warrants. Sec. 210. Scope of subpoenas for records of electronic communications. Sec. 211. Clarification of scope. Sec. 212. Emergency disclosure of electronic communications to protect life and limb. Sec. 213. Authority for delaying notice of the execution of a warrant. Sec. 214. Pen register and trap and trace authority under FISA. Sec. 215. Access to records and other items under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Sec. 216. Modification of authorities relating to use of pen registers and trap and trace devices. Section 225 is particularly interesting to the original question since it seemingly absolves all parties of liability to provide wiretap information, including electronic sureillance against encrypted data (as defined elsewhere int he act). (h) No cause of action shall lie in any court against any provider of a wire or electronic communication service, landlord, custodian, or other person (including any officer, employee, agent, or other specified person thereof) that furnishes any information, facilities, or technical assistance in accordance with a court order or request for emergency assistance under this Act.. Duane Nickull -- *************************************************** Yellow Dragon Software - http://www.yellowdragonsoft.com Web Services & ebXML Messaging / Registry Downloads UN/CEFACT eBusiness Architecture/ ebXMl Technical Architecture Phone: +1 (604) 738-1051 - Canada: Pacific Standard Time Direct: +1 (604) 726-3329
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