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Google, Microsoft Push Feds to Fix Privacy Laws
A coalition of the net's biggest online service providers, including Google and Microsoft, are joining with the top internet rights groups to demand Congress modernize the nation's privacy laws.
Among the reforms pushed by the so-called Digital Due Process coalition is a requirement that law enforcement get warrants from a judge when they want to force companies to turn over your e-mails, documents and location data. But despite issuing a clarion call to change privacy laws, none of the companies that are pushing citizens to store more and more sensitive information online announced any change to their own practices.
The coalition announced its four principles in a conference call with reporters Tuesday. The group says they've briefed the White House, the FBI and Congress on the proposed changes and expect hearings this year. Congress isn't expected to act before 2011, because of a crowded legislative agenda.
Changes in technology dictate the need to update the nation's electronic privacy law, known as the 1986 Electronic Communications Protection Act, according to Jim Dempsey of the Center for Democracy and Technology.
Among the reforms pushed by the so-called Digital Due Process coalition is a requirement that law enforcement get warrants from a judge when they want to force companies to turn over your e-mails, documents and location data. But despite issuing a clarion call to change privacy laws, none of the companies that are pushing citizens to store more and more sensitive information online announced any change to their own practices.
The coalition announced its four principles in a conference call with reporters Tuesday. The group says they've briefed the White House, the FBI and Congress on the proposed changes and expect hearings this year. Congress isn't expected to act before 2011, because of a crowded legislative agenda.
Changes in technology dictate the need to update the nation's electronic privacy law, known as the 1986 Electronic Communications Protection Act, according to Jim Dempsey of the Center for Democracy and Technology.
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