Justice Department Wants Internet Companies to Save Personal Web Surfing Data
by Elise Ackerman
6/02/2006
 
The U.S. Department of Justice has told Google, Microsoft and other major Internet companies that it wants them to keep detailed records of where people go while surfing the Web for up to two years.

The proposal, which would require Congressional approval, could dramatically change how companies cooperate with law enforcement agencies investigating everything from terrorist networks to child pornography. Internet service providers such as Verizon, AT&T and Comcast, could also be forced to comply.

Brian Roehrkasse, a Justice Department spokesman, said the government wants companies to keep data related to Web searches and e-mail exchanges -- but not actual content, such as e-mail messages or attachments.

FULL STORY at http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0602-08.htm