The Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked telecommunications companies to make changes in their state-of-the-art networks to make it easier for the FBI to conduct surveillance, according to a report. The FBI, which hopes to gain the same access to voice . . .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked telecommunications companies to make changes in their state-of-the-art networks to make it easier for the FBI to conduct surveillance, according to a report. The FBI, which hopes to gain the same access to voice communications that it has gained with e-mail through use of its controversial Carnivore snooping technology, made the request in a 32-page document sent to telecom companies earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The FBI's request was in the works before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to the report, but those events have lent new credence to the issue. Expanded law enforcement capabilities have been a priority since the attacks, with the new Patriot Act giving law enforcement broad powers amid criticism from civil libertarians.

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