No Telco Immunity!

[mkosbie]

So, this is actually pretty old news with some more recent developments. Basically, in December of 2005, we learned that ATT had partnered with the NSA to create a massive domestic dragnet on ALL communication they serviced (phone, internet, etc). EFF (The Electronic Frontier Foundation) filed a class action lawsuit against them for violating legal and privacy rights.

ATT has tried to get off the hook for this in all kinds of different ways (which reek of government collaboration):
- They claimed it was untryable under the "States Secrets Privilege" (Denied)
- They claimed they were immune because they acted with a government agency (Denied)
- They're now trying to get Congress to pass a law that would grant them (and all telco's) immunity if they acted with the NSA

Right now, both Houses of Congress are getting ready to vote on measures that would grant this immunity. The massive response of the American public has been enough to bring the issue to the front of their attention, and make them hold the vote until they can gauge their constituents feelings. Now its time for those constituents (you) to call and tell them: "No Telco Immunity".

Make ATT stand trial for the actions they allegedly commited against the American public (there's a pretty substantial bit of evidence to suggest they did). Don't set a dangerous precedent letting your telecom company (Cox maybe?) give the government unrestricted access to your data.

As Californians, you are fortunate enough to have a representative on the Senate Judiciary committee (Dianne Feinstein). Call her ( (202) 224-3841 ), and tell her your opinion. Call your representative (Duncan Hunter for many of you: (202) 225-5672) and tell them the same.

If you want more info about this, visit the EFF: http://www.eff.org/. They have it.

[Hostrauser]

Having interfaced directly with several of them in work capacities, I can assure everyone that Telecoms (particularly AT&T) are unethical monstrosities that must be watched with suspicion and guarded against with great caution.

[Brad]

The sad note is, with the prevelance of cell phones (radio transmissions can be intercepted through the public airwaves) fm phones at home (same as above) and electronic mail (there is no privacy protection with workplace email, and debatable protection with home email) the we must come to the conclusion that, like it or not, and whether the gov't intends it or not, Big Brother is here.