You're being wiretapped because you OK'd it

[Chimichurri]

So says the government lawyers:

One government lawyer who has participated in negotiations with telecommunications providers said the Bush administration has argued that a company can turn over its entire database of customer records -- and even the stored content of calls and e-mails -- because customers "have consented to that" when they establish accounts. The fine print of many telephone and Internet service contracts includes catchall provisions, the lawyer said, authorizing the company to disclose such records to protect public safety or national security, or in compliance with a lawful government request.

"It is within their terms of service because you have consented to that," the lawyer said. If the company also consents, "and they do it voluntarily, the U.S. government can accept it."

I heard the senator from Missouri say yesterday that business records are not protected by the 4th ammendment. This is their strategy. I hope people aren't going to lie down and take it this time.

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Government_lawyers_say_Americans_consented_to_0512.html

[C_U_L8R]

1. I bet the telcos respond somehow

to the flood of lost customers.
There's gonna be a huge adhoc boycott
of companies that won't guarantee our
privacy and it would be even better
if there were formal boycotts.

It's time for a digital Tea Party...
dump the tyrants in the harbor !!!!

[jayfish]

3. A Flood Of Lost Customers?

Where are they going to go? For instance, Qwest didn't go along with the dictator today, but that doesn't mean they don't have these "catchall provisions" in their contracts as well. If the pot is sweetened enough what's to say they won't go along tomorrow.

Jay

[jayfish]

2. I Think That A Competent Lawyer...

could defeat such "catchall provisions" because a consumer of communications has no ability to say no to such clauses. There is no choice to opt-out. A consumer can't simply say "well I don't like that company A is doing this so I'll go with company B. Company B does it too.

Jay