Looking At The Patriot Act and Why It Hurts Everyone’s Civil Liberties
Posted by Cindy Marshson in Uncategorized, tags: computer, ID Theft, identity theft, internet, Malware, politics, Privacy, Proxy, safety, software, Uncategorized, virusA number of groups of opponents have staged battle opposed to the extension of the PATRIOT Act. The voting would be the determining factor whether or not the bill would continue to stay alive. Two-thirds of the House members ought to vote YES so that H.R. 514 could run for an extra period. This move is seen as fast tracking the process in order to acquire positive results. The voting is scheduled this February.
Critics are questioning the method in which the bill is being pushed. It appears that there is no important variation between the older and recent bills. Before the law should merit extension, there ought to be adjustments that would strengthen the provisions. As is, there are no oversight and accountability measures that are included in the bill.
Debates have been completed and proposals were presented last year. Among the areas that have been debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the new proposed version is full of these provisions. Nevertheless, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The initial extension was accepted in February last year. There is a new proposal to extend it until February of this year. There was a pledge to resolve the issues before granting an extra extension.
The apprehension with the impending extension is that no debates are possible. Given until December 8, 2011 to extend, there is no true reform that could be expected. The expected amendments would not be carried out since no one is given the opportunity to present adjustments. The outcome would be the same PATRIOT as it was a year ago.
What looks so “scary” about the bill? Well, it is said that innocent people might be subjected under observation. Section 215 of the bill empowers the government to obtain secret court orders. This can be used to access confidential data such as internet, phone and business records.
Under this law, foreign intelligence wiretaps could be allowed. Any person, even those without connection to any foreign power or terrorist group, could be tapped. Whenever government “feels” there is a requirement to do so, any telephone number, email account or other communications facility can be accessed.
Those were the provisions that critics say should not be incorporated in the renewal. In order for it to be significant, valid reforms should be done. Weak points should be eliminated, and new checks and balances should be included. This could be done if debates are allowed. This is the only way to make sure that civil liberties are protected.
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