Analysis of the Patriot Act by the EFF
The EFF has an excellent summary on just why the Patriot Act is so noxious.
Some highlights:
1. Expanded Surveillance With Reduced Checks and Balances.
A. Be careful what you put in that Google search.
B. Nationwide roving wiretaps.
C. ISPs hand over more user information.
D. New definitions of terrorism expand scope of surveillance.
2. Overbreadth with a lack of focus on terrorism. Several provisions of the USAPA have no apparent connection to preventing terrorism. These include:
A. Government spying on suspected computer trespassers with no need for court order.
B. Adding samples to DNA database for those convicted of “any crime of violence.”
C. Wiretaps now allowed for suspected violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
D. Dramatic increases to the scope and penalties of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
3. Allows Americans to be More Easily Spied Upon by US Foreign Intelligence Agencies.
A. General Expansion of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Authority.
B. Increased information sharing between domestic law enforcement and intelligence.
C. FISA detour around federal domestic surveillance limitations
Oh, Computer crimes under Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) are now defined as “Terrorist Offenses”.
Have a nice day.