Tech Titans Push for Change in Electronic Privacy Law
Some of the biggest names in the tech world–including Microsoft (MSFT), Google (GOOG), Intel (INTC) and AT&T (T)–are pushing for more stringent regulations on government ability to access electronic communications.
The push, which also is backed by groups such as the ACLU and Americans for Tax Reform, is not expected to result in congressional action this year, organizers acknowledge. But the heavyweights behind the effort have drawn attention, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers said he would lead efforts to consider reform.
The law in question, known as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, was enacted in 1986 and extended restrictions on government wiretaps to data transmissions as well as phone calls. The act also regulates privacy in stored data, but those limits are not as stringent, particularly since the Patriot act eased restrictions on access by law enforcement.
