DOJ Surveillance Challenges: Cybersecurity Concerns Without Patriot Act

In part of a major Bush Administration lobbying blitz Wednesday, the Department of Justice has released a list of technology-related ramifications if the remaining provisions of the Patriot Act aren't passed by Dec. 31. Lobbying hard for the passage of the remaining portions of the broad-sweeping legislation, the department released a statement Wednesday stating that the federal government would revert back to a "pre-9/11 mode of information sharing…where terrorists and spies can use technology against us."

The DOJ's position statement indicates that investigators will be several steps behind lawbreakers, unable to trace calls of terrorists and spies who frequently change phones to evade surveillance. Internet service providers that voluntarily disclose e-mails threatening an imminent terrorist attack can be sued, the DOJ stated. American companies will not be able to ask law enforcement to help investigate and disrupt cyber attacks, according to the federal statement.

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