The Call Is Cheap. The Wiretap Is Extra

[GAspnes]

At first glance, it might seem like the simple extension of a standard tool in the fight against the bad guys.

But in fact, wiretapping Internet phones to monitor criminals and terrorists is costly and complex, and potentially a big burden on new businesses trying to sell the phone service.

Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to move forward with rules that would compel the businesses to make it possible for law enforcement agencies to eavesdrop on Internet calls.

But developing systems to wiretap calls that travel over high-speed data networks - a task that the companies are being asked to pay for - has caused executives and some lawmakers to worry that helping the police may stifle innovation and force the budding industry to alter its services.

The Call Is Cheap

One side-effect, according to the article, will be the demise of free internet calling services. The wire-tap overhead will add too much cost.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Terrorists already have secure or encrypted channels of communication. Tapping internet calls won't have any effect on any serious dodger.