FC: Weekly column: John Ashcroft's worrying DSEA surveillance plans

From: Declan McCullagh (declanat_private)
Date: Mon Feb 10 2003 - 06:34:05 PST

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    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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