Tracking Down Terrorists Electronically Story aired: Tuesday, July 01, 2003
This week as Americans celebrate Independence Day, we're taking a week-long look at civil liberties in this country. Today in part II: new rules under the U.S.A. Patriot Act for search and seizure over the phone lines and email.
Before the Internet came along, investigators could use a limited type of search called a "pen register" to find out what numbers were dialed to or from a telephone, but they couldn't listen in to the content of the call. Pen registers are still used, but when it comes to email, what's considered content? And how often is it being searched?
Joining Here and Now on the line to discuss it is Tim Edgar, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union.
Guests:
Tim Edgar, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union.
