Experts Say Wiretap Law Needs Digital Era Update

GovTechGuy writes "Experts at a Congressional hearing Thursday said the government needs to update the Electronic Communications Privacy Act to reflect changes in technology, notably location-based services. On one hand, legal experts argue tracking a mobile user's location should require a higher burden of proof than simply intercepting their communications. On the other hand, first responders may need location data in order to save lives and respond to 911 calls. Either way, expect legislation from the committee later this year."

This law is only as useful as it is enforced

[CyprusBlue113]

And the previous track record of stopping illegal wire tapping is abysmal...

Either way, expect legislation

[Anonymous Coward]

The most prescient statement in the write-up.

Re:how did we manage

[mshannon78660]

We called from landlines, and emergency services used the database of location information provided to them by the phone companies that installed the landlines. And yes, if someone was injured in a location without telephones, they did often die.

Re:how did we manage

[Wiarumas]

You had to use a land line, which was associated with a certain address, or you needed to tell the operator where you located.

Translation

[Anonymous Coward]

The police state needs an upgrade.

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Toro