According to an article on CNET, a bill that was originally intended to protect your privacy has been changed dramatically so that it allows 22 government agencies to read your email, your twitter, your facebook and even your google files stored in the cloud with NO WARRANT OR PROBABLE CAUSE WHATSOEVER. This bill provides for the following:
✭ Grants warrantless access to Americans’ electronic correspondence to over 22 federal agencies. Only a subpoena is required, not a search warrant signed by a judge based on probable cause. The agencies are allowed to issue their own subpoenas — no judge required.
✭ Permits state and local law enforcement to warrantlessly access Americans’ correspondence stored on systems not offered “to the public,” including university networks.
✭ Authorizes any law enforcement agency to access accounts without a warrant — or subsequent court review — if they claim “emergency” situations exist.
✭ Says providers “shall notify” law enforcement in advance of any plans to tell their customers that they’ve been the target of a warrant, order, or subpoena.
✭ Delays notification of customers whose accounts have been accessed from 3 days to “10 business days.” This notification can be postponed by up to 360 days.
This bill is designated S.1011, Electronic Communications Privacy Act Amendments Act of 2011 and is scheduled for a vote next week!
It is crucial that you contact your Senator immediately! To do so, go to http://www.senate.gov/ and select your State from the pull-down list in the upper right hand corner.
Freedoms, once lost through negligence are seldom regained without pain. Be vigilant and act now!