yyz, I understand that the government, with help from ISPs and especially since they started up Carnivore, have been able to track activity for quite some time. But this latest initiative is different in my mind for several reasons. First of all, what they are looking for is a real-time system instead of a log-scanning system, whereby they can track the activities of every internet user simultaneously (huge technology challenge but someone thinks they can pull it off). Secondly, with the powers being granted to various security agencies, once an individual is being monitored they can be classified as a 'security risk' for lots of reason and I have no doubt that once the government starts down that road they will abuse the power. And finally, although this new system is being proposed under the guise of national security, if it were ever in place it would be a small step for the law enforcement agencies, the FBI for example, to monitor all people accessing off-shore books (which is illegal is it not?). I'm sure some do-gooder Senator (Kyle for example) would propose this legislation and most of the country wouldn't care and it would pass. It's then a simple step for them to shut you off from the internet for good.
This isn't some fairy tale. Carnivore exists right now and was instituted in spite of the concerns of privacy experts and civil rights experts. Carnivore did nothing to stop 9-11. In my opinion, it only serves as a means for the government to spy on its citizens - us - and once they have all the info they want it won't be long before they take action.
Just my opinion.
