CCIA urges defeat of House wiretapping bill

File Under: 2006, CCIA

Sep 19, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The Computer & Communications Industry Association today urged the House Judiciary Committee to vote down HR 5825, an electronic surveillance bill that threatens US technology businesses as well as the basic civil liberties of ordinary Americans. In a letter sent to Judiciary Chair James Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member John Conyers and members of the Committee, CCIA urged Members to consider the bill's effect o n international commerce and human rights policy. The measure will come to a vote tomorrow.

"Technology flourishes when we are open to competition, to our users, and to new ideas," CCIA President and CEO Ed Black wrote. "A commitment to openness in commerce, consumers, and ideas cannot be sustained, however, if users fear a betrayal of the privacy and the security of their personal and business communications. Congressional approval of sweeping and warrantless electronic surveillance could irrevocably sunder the public trust in the sanctity of civil rights, privacy, and security in our modern information infrastructure."

To read the letter click here.

Contact: Will Rodger, 202-783-0070 ext. 105