Poster
06-17-2004, 03:59 PM
The Department of Justice, along with several other groups, is opposing legislation that would exempt voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service. The VOIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004, proposed by Senator John Sununu, would exempt VOIP service from wiretapping regulation. Proponents of the act believe light regulation is needed to encourage the development of the new technology or else it will "stifle innovation and discourage investment.” However, opponents believe that if the government lacks the ability to use a wiretap on a certain phone, criminals and terrorists will flock to those types of phones.
"I am here to underscore how very important it is that this type of telephone service not become a haven for criminals, terrorists and spies," Parsky told the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Wednesday. "If any particular technology is singled out for special exemption from these requirements, that technology will quickly attract criminals and create a hole in law enforcement's ability to protect the public and national security."
“Despite the opposition to the bill, committee chairman John McCain, an Arizona Republican, praised Sununu for the introducing the bill. McCain said the questions raised by opponents are not simple issues, but he also called VOIP a "breakthrough technology" that will be beneficial to consumers.
'One thing we don't want to do is inhibit (VOIP's) ability to reach as many people as quickly as possible,’ McCain said.”
For more information see: http://www.itworld.com/Net/3303/040617voiplegislation/
"I am here to underscore how very important it is that this type of telephone service not become a haven for criminals, terrorists and spies," Parsky told the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Wednesday. "If any particular technology is singled out for special exemption from these requirements, that technology will quickly attract criminals and create a hole in law enforcement's ability to protect the public and national security."
“Despite the opposition to the bill, committee chairman John McCain, an Arizona Republican, praised Sununu for the introducing the bill. McCain said the questions raised by opponents are not simple issues, but he also called VOIP a "breakthrough technology" that will be beneficial to consumers.
'One thing we don't want to do is inhibit (VOIP's) ability to reach as many people as quickly as possible,’ McCain said.”
For more information see: http://www.itworld.com/Net/3303/040617voiplegislation/