Google, Facebook, and others could face fines over government wiretap refusals

A new bill being drafted by a secret government task force would impose fines on internet companies — such as Facebook, Google, gaming, and VoIP companies — if they don’t comply with court orders to allow law enforcement to wiretap user communications, The Washington Post reports. According to the the Post, the legislation is being written up to address the FBI’s recent complaints that many web companies don’t — or can’t — comply with court orders forcing them to “intercept online communications” in real time. The FBI calls this the “going dark” problem.