DOJ seeks wiretap access for cell phone calls on planes
If cell phones and other handheld wireless devices are allowed to be used on aircraft by the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice wants built-in terrorism-fighting capabilities to allow fast wiretaps and quick ways to disconnect conversations between terrorists.
In a 23-page brief, four Justice Department officials submitted comments on the proposed rule changes to the FCC last week. The comments, which reflect concerns from the DOJ, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, come ahead of a hearing Thursday on the issue before the House Subcommittee on Aviation.
The rules change allowing cell phones to be used on airplanes was proposed by the FCC in December.
In the brief, the DOJ officials said they support efficient use of wireless services, but they want to be sure the government can monitor criminal and terrorist activities. DOJ officials also said that if cell phone use is permitted on airplanes, they want to make sure law enforcement authorities can quickly intercept suspected terrorist communications by cell phone or onboard Internet access.
