Volume III

Issue : 19: November 3, 2005

• Groups Challenge New Wiretap Rule for Internet Calls
• Ontarios Privacy Commissioner Issues First Health Privacy Related (PHIPA) Order
• Ontario Court Rules Plaintiffs Electronic Self Help Remedy Improper
• French Government Bans Use of Skype at Research Institutes and Universities
• ICANN Settles Long Standing Dispute With VeriSign
• RIM Loses Last Minute Bid in Patent Infringement Proceeding

Home > Volume III > Issue 19: November 3, 2005 > Groups Challenge New Wiretap Rule for Internet Calls

Groups Challenge New Wiretap Rule for Internet Calls

A decision made by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in August is being challenged in the federal appeals court in Washington. The rule requires that providers of Internet phone calls and broadband services ensure that their equipment is designed to allow police wiretaps. The rule applies to voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) providers, such as Vonage, SkypeOut and Packet 8 that use a central telephone company to complete Internet calls. Companies must comply by May 2007.

Privacy and technology groups went before the court last week to have the decision of the FCC overturned. In order to meet the rule’s requirements, Internet call providers will have to incur a large cost in order to rewire networks. There is also strong fear that this rule will stifle technological development by placing more regulatory burdens on innovators. However, according to Justice Department spokesman Paul Bresson, “as communications technologies develop, we must ensure that such progress does not come at the expense of our nation’s safety and security.”

For a copy of the FCC decision, visit:

http://www.fcc.gov/FCC-05-153A1.pdf

For additional information, visit:

http://www.shorl.com/fidinopruhone

http://www.shorl.com/dunasustobepo