FBI Eyeing Monitoring of Private Sector Internet Traffic

For security reasons, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is already monitoring Internet traffic in federal/government networks. Now, FBI director Robert Mueller wants the bureau to monitor private sector traffic as well for added security.

The controversial proposal is specific about the monitoring of all Internet traffic using filters that are intended to nip illegal activity at the bud. Arguments about the new proposed law involve discussions on rights to privacy; the definition of what’s “illegal,” and laws on warrants necessary for enforcers to seize communication exchanges.

Polititians appear to be divided by the proposal. Rep. Darrel Issa of California, a Republican and supporter of the proposal, made a reference to threats to access national-security information and even data from private companies. A popular topic is the Bush administration’s cybercrime initiative revolving around a classified project codenamed Einstein. There are concerns that it may be infringing on the privacy rights of citizens.

Those who oppose the new law cite the Fourth Amendment guarantee of freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures - with an emphasis on the word unreasonable.