Feds Seek To Force Internet Wiretap Compliance By Fining Web Firms

The Washington Post published a report today claiming that a “government task force” is getting ready to propose legislation which would fine Internet companies that do not allow law enforcement agencies to access communication between their users.

The article cites an unnamed source familiar with the effort, and says that this proposal would give the federal government the same access to Facebook and Google as it already has for phone service providers. These companies would be able to choose in which way the government accesses this information, but refusal to let them do so would result in a fine. This fine would then double if not paid within three months.