Reply #1: Sounds like wiretaps taken to a new level

[BadgerKid]

The FBI has had internet wiretaps for several years ( http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6154457.html ) but listening generally required a court order. (Universities were among the specific institutions targeted.) Take away the court order and add the fact that telephone traffic is generally transmitted via the internet, voila, you have all electronic communications monitored.

Without court oversight, what's to say that the tap isn't being used to monitor internal communications of private companies? You know, companies that, for example, might be the target of a takeover by a conglomerate or investment group (suggested name withheld). It would be insider information gleaned from the outside.