Many people have fears and concerns that FBI cyberspying is out of hand. But will it matter if laws are put into place that outlaw cyber snooping?
Recently the Electronic Frontier Foundation made a federal case against the FBI, claiming it was unconstitutional for the government agency to request certain customer records from the agency. The judge ruled in favor of the Foundation. This seems like a personal victory for citizens and private companies, but is it?
Many organizations, including the EFF have been working to protect consumer privacy for years. However, the Patriot Act, established in 2001, gave the FBI the right to demand information from certain companies, including telecommunications companies, if they believe certain people are linked to terrorism or engaged in acts of espionage.
Further, if the FBI wants to conduct an espionage investigation, or makes claims of it, they can also demand information from customer accounts, whether or not the telecommunications company has a privacy policy in place to protect consumers. That is because terrorism and other acts may pose a threat to national security.
Healings About Privacy Rulings
Recently headlines however, revealing a victory in the case of the EFF’s court case against the FBI may lead certain consumers to believe that their records are always protected. However, the reality is, the government in this case has 90-days to appeal the ruling. And, they probably will. The FBI always has a right to issue what is known as a National Security Letter. This is a letter stating that something or someone may be a threat to national security.
A NSL is the same type of letter that most law enforcement agencies get when they seek out a search warrant. They may go into a company or an employment agency, and want certain information about an employee that may be confidential. For example, a sheriff may want to know an employee’s name, their home address, phone and other information.
An HR agent may not have to give this information, because it may be Internet and organizational secure, without a proper search warrant.
That is basically what is happening in this particular instance. It is unlikely in the event that someone is a real terrorist, that anyone will be able to prevent the FBI or any other government agency from gaining access to their information. In most situations the government will uphold a citizen’s right to privacy. If you are not engaged in elicit affairs, they you are safe. So stay safe, and avoid engaging in any indecent affairs, and you will have nothing to worry about!
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