I recently read an article in The New York Times which outlines the government's proposed requirement of Internet companies to maintain user statistics and search records for long periods of time. They want these records in place so they can be subpeoned through existing laws and procedures. Of course, most are familiar with the kiddie porn pursuit that the government is on in an attempt to further its control over the public Internet. When asked what the records were for the Director of the FBI was quoted as saying, "We want this for terrorism." Seems to me if they want this for terrorism they should be trying to get the information from the known terrorist states not the United States.
Although it seems as though the government is, once again, trying to extend its powers in the everlasting fight against terrorism. Now don't get me wrong; I am not a supporter of terrorism. However, I do believe that the government is over-reaching its imposed bounds a bit by investigating citizens of this country. I say citizens because I'm not going to delve into the whole immigrant debate just yet.
The government has made it quite clear that if these companies do not comply with these requirements, legislation will be put into place that will force these companies to comply. Sounds extortionist to me but that is my opinion.
Is the government attempting to defeat our 4th Amendment right? You tell me.