Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act

United States HR (House Resolution) 5825 authorizes the President to conduct electronic surveillance without a court order for up to a period of one year. Requirements are that the surveillance aims to acquire the "contents of communications of foreign powers" and that the Attorney General follows specified safeguard procedures. In order to authorize this type of surveillance, the Attorney General has to certify in writing that the surveillance meets the specified legal criteria. The law allows the executive branch of the U.S. Government latitude in bypassing the Congress in the approval process to wiretap.
The Act also requires Internet service providers and other telecommunications companies to assist with any valid request for such surveillance. Providers must agree to keep such requests confidential.
===External Links===
*[House approves warrantless wiretapping House approves warrantless wiretapping] from Ars Technica
Category:New Media Legal