FCC Requires Easy Wiretapping of VoIP

The FCC has voted to require companies to allow police to wiretap Internet phone calls (VoIP).

The rule applies to Internet, broadbad, cable and telephone service providers. The ruling is an expanision of the 1994 federal law known as CALEA. (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act). The law required
telecommunications businesses to make it easier for police to tap into civilian conversations. Critics say CALEA does not apply to VoIP.

The Justice Department and the FBI support the ruling.

The companies have 18 months to comply with the ruling.