FBI adds Internet to wiretap wish list

http://news.com.com/2100-1028-5172948.html

A far-reaching proposal from the FBI, made public Friday, would require all broadband Internet providers, including cable modem and DSL companies, to rewire their networks to support easy wiretapping by police.

What's new:A far-reaching FBI proposal would require all broadband Net providers, including cable modem and DSL companies, to rewire their networks to support easy wiretapping by police.

Bottom line:If approved as drafted, the proposal could dramatically expand the scope of the agency's wiretap powers, raise costs for cable broadband companies and complicate Internet product development.

this part:

"Baker agrees that the FBI's proposal means that IP-based services such as chat programs and videoconferencing "that are 'switched' in any fashion would be treated as telephony." If the FCC agrees, Baker said, "you would have to vet your designs with law enforcement before providing your service. There will be a queue. There will be politics involved. It would completely change the way services are introduced on the Internet."

In other words, if this goes into effect, you will lose the freedom to develop a chat program, all on your own, and distribute it for free online. You would have to get permission from Big Brother first. Literally.

Coming soon: in the name of the War on Terror, and due to the ability to encode a message in the least signifigant bit (LSB) of an image, all Internet transmissions shall hereafter be vetted through the United States Common Internet Gateway, USCIG. All circumvention of this system shall be a felony as provided in Section 2(a)(1.1.10), as follows...