DOJ and FBI Seek Regulation of VoIP Due to National Security

From today’s LA Times (reg. req’d), FBI Seeks Wiretap Capabilities for Phone Calls Made Over the Internet. As I posted yesterday, FCC Commissioner Powell released a strong statement opposing regulation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). According to the Times article, DOJ officials maintain that such a position would “jeopardize the ability of federal, state …

Subjects: Internet, Privacy

FCC Forum on Internet Telephony

Today the Federal Communications held a public forum on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). From the Opening Remarks of FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell: “As one who believes unflinchingly in maintaining an Internet free from government regulation, I believe that IP-based services such as VOIP should evolve in a regulation-free zone.” Links to FCC Commissioners’ …

Subjects: Internet

Personal Data and Florida/NH E-Court Docs.

The Tampa Tribune reported on November 26 (the article is now in the archives $$) that the Florida Supreme Court appointed a committee, chaired by Jon Mills, to determine new procedures to address privacy issues related to the release of personal data in electronic court records. From the Florida State Supreme Court Press Information webpage, …

Subjects: Courts, E-Government, Privacy

Cmte. Documents Concerns Regarding Collection of Visitor Info

Press release from the House Government Reform Committee: “Chairman Tom Davis (R-VA) wrote last week to Secretary of State Colin Powell and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge seeking assurances about the upcoming implementation of the US-VISIT program.” “As the January deadline for implementing the program at 115 airports and 14 seaports approaches, Davis sought information …

Subjects: Congress, Privacy

Diebold Withdraws Lawsuit Over E-Voting Machine Documents

From the EFF: Diebold Backs Down, Won’t Sue on Publication of Electronic Voting Machine Flaws: “Voting machine company Diebold Systems, Inc., agreed today in federal court not to sue or send any further legal threats to anyone who publishes their corporate email archive indicating flaws in Diebold’s voting machines and irregularities with certifying the systems …

Subjects: E-Government, Freedom of Information, Internet

IRS to Implement New E-Service for Tax Professionals

This article from today’s New York Times indicates that the IRS plans to implement an Electronic Account Resolution program for tax professionals by spring 2004. From the IRS website: “Electronic Account Resolution allows tax professionals to expedite closure on clients’ account problems by electronically sending/receiving account related inquiries. Tax professionals may inquire about individual or …

Subjects: E-Government

9/11 Family Steering Cmte. Statement on Investigations

As a follow-up to my posting on November 17, 9-11 Commission Confirms White House To Provide Edited Versions of Documents, see the 9/11 Family Steering Committee’s Statement Regarding the One-Year Anniversary of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, issued on November 27: “Unfortunately, the production of a timely report no longer …

Subjects: Freedom of Information