The federal appeals court has upheld a FCC ruling that requires Internet phone service providers like Vonage to provide law enforcement agencies. It will force VoIP providers into agreement with same regulatory polices. These polices are currently applied under Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act for conventional phone services.



Universities challenged the FCC’s decision alongwith the implementing technologies that facilitates remote wiretaps. Critics have also challenged the necessity of remote wiretapping mechanism for VoIP. If law enforcements agents have proper warrant; they can install inquiring mechanisms on site.



Private advocates are arguing that expanding CALEA to digital information services will make easy for the federal government to tie phone communications into its existing automated domestic supervisions systems.



This ruling is somewhat different, since CALEA is clearly sates that providers are excused. The broadband providers have to confirm with CALEA because their Internet voice communication services are distinct from their data services.



Via: arstechnica