Politicians still think they're relevant... Given that this bill passed 414-1, it'll likely be US law soon. Does this mean that law enforcement will now need a judicial wiretap order to go scanning for evidence to get a warrant? http://dailynews.yahoo.com/headlines/technology/story.html?s=n/reuters/98030 6/tech/stories/privacy_1.html Friday March 6 10:33 AM EST House Passes Wireless Privacy Bill WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a bid to protect privacy for cellphone or digital calls, the House Thursday voted 414-1 to make intercepting such phone conversations illegal. The Wireless Privacy Enhancement Act makes clear that the act of interception -- whether or not the call is later divulged or disseminated in any way -- is against the law. It bans modification of scanners that are now on the market that can easily pick up calls made on cell phones, and prevents a market for new scanners capable of intercepting digital communications. The bill, which the Senate has not yet acted on, increases penalties for intercepting or divulging private communications, making them subject to a $2,000 fine and six months in jail. Earlier laws had not treated such interceptions as serious offenses if they were not used for financial gain. Although the bill had broad bipartisan support, it was a particular favorite of Republicans, who were furious after a December 1996 cellphone conversation involving House Speaker Newt Gingrich and fellow Republican leaders was taped by a Florida couple. House Republicans have alleged that Washington Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott then leaked it. McDermott -- who voted for the wireless privacy act -- has not publicly commented on those allegations. Ohio Republican Rep. John Boehner, who was using a cellphone in his wife's car in that conversation with Gingrich, enthusiastically backed the bill. "Our message should be plain and simple," he said. "If you violate someone's privacy, you are not creating idle mischief, you are breaking the law and of the land and you will be brought to justice." Roughly 50 million Americans use some kind of new mobile electronic communications services, according to the bill's sponsors. The sole vote against the bill came from Ron Paul, a Texas Republican. He was not immediately available for comment. ------------------------------------------------------------ David Honig Orbit Technology honig@otc.net Intaanetto Jigyoubu If you start now, the year 2038 problem might be tractable.