[117911] in Cypherpunks
Digital Wiretap Subsidy
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Eric Cordian)
Tue Sep 14 22:58:54 1999
From: Eric Cordian <emc@chao.insync.net>
Message-Id: <199909150240.VAA92610@chao.insync.net>
To: cypherpunks@cyberpass.net
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 19:40:44 -0700 (PDT)
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Reply-To: Eric Cordian <emc@chao.insync.net>
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI reached a first-of-its-kind agreement
enabling telecommunications companies to use computer software made
by Nortel Networks to assist law enforcement agencies in conducting
lawfully authorized wiretapping.
The agreement calls for Nortel, a major supplier of
telecommunications equipment, to provide certain software to its
carrier customers. Nortel will waive the license fees.
The 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
authorized $500 million for the purpose of reimbursing the
telecommunications industry for its costs in cooperating with law
enforcement agencies in wiretapping.
``Carriers can now begin taking steps to correct technological
impediments within their networks that currently prevent law
enforcement from being able to carry out court-ordered electronic
surveillance directed at suspected criminals and terrorists,''
Attorney General Janet Reno said in a statement.
The telecommunication carrier Ameritech also is a party to the
agreement. FBI Director Louis Freeh said the bureau is working
toward finalizing similar reimbursement agreements with other
carriers and manufacturers.
--
Eric Michael Cordian 0+
O:.T:.O:. Mathematical Munitions Division
"Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"
