FBI Says it Mines Data on Thousands of Internet Users at Once

WASHINGTON — When authorities have a court order and an Internet service provider is unable to isolate a suspect’s IP address because of technical reasons, the FBI said it uses a broad stroke wiretapping technique that allows agents to investigate and assemble the activities of thousands of Internet users at one time, according to a report on CNET News.

Known as full-pipe surveillance, FBI officials confirmed that they employ the tactic that allows them to gather massive amounts of data flowing through an ISP’s servers. The information is then entered into an FBI database and later queried for relevant names, email addresses or other keywords.

News of the practice came to light at a Stanford Law School symposium entitled “Search & Seizure in the Digital Age,” when former federal prosecutor Paul Ohm discussed the tactic, which he said has become the FBI’s default method for Internet surveillance.

“You collect wherever you can on the network segment,” Ohm said. “If it happens to be the segment that has a lot of IP addresses, you don't throw away the other IP addresses. You do that after the fact. You intercept first and you use whatever filtering, data mining to get at the information about the person you're trying to monitor.”

Electronic Frontier Foundation attorney Kevin Bankston said the practice is worse than Carnivore, the highly controversial Internet surveillance tool used by the FBI up until the law enforcement agency discontinued the program two years ago.

“What they're doing is intercepting everyone and then choosing their targets,” Bankston said.

Carnivore did not perform full-pipe surveillance.

Ohm, who presented a paper at the symposium on the 4th Amendment, said he had doubts about the legality of full-pipe surveillance.

“The question that's interesting, although I don't know whether it's so clear, is whether this is illegal, whether it's constitutional,” he said. “Is Congress even aware they're doing this? I don't know the answers.”

Under federal law, the FBI is required to “minimize the interception of communications not otherwise subject to interception.” However, courts have grappled with the meaning of “minimization” for nearly 30 years.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More