U.S. Agencies Want a Snooper Highway

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new Justice Department proposal would create sweeping new wiretap rules for the Internet.

Justice, along with the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration, are seeking to require all new Internet applications and services be wiretap-ready before they are introduced to the market.

“Otherwise, criminals and terrorists will gain potentially large windows of opportunity to evade lawful surveillance,” according to a 72-page petition submitted to the Federal Communications Commission.

The petition, first filed with the FCC on Wednesday, was spurred in part by the rapid rise of Internet telephony, which also would be covered under the request. The FBI said it fears the technology could be used to avoid wiretaps on conventional phones.

If the petition is granted by the FCC, every facet of Internet-based services would be covered, including the cable or telephone conduits providing the high-speed transmission, the Internet service provider and providers of applications riding on broadband, such as Internet telephony.

Law enforcement agencies already have the ability to wiretap Internet transmissions with court order. And communications providers have been forced to design their networks and equipment so that police can efficiently conduct wiretaps after congress passed the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act.

In the latest proposal, the law enforcement agencies asked that the FCC rapidly determine that Internet services must facilitate wiretaps, even before the agency writes detailed rules.

“Without such a preliminary determination from the Commission, law enforcement remains deeply concerned that development of interception capabilities regarding these services will continue to be delayed – to the detriment of effective law enforcement – while the outcome of this proceeding is debated,” the petition said.

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

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

Show More