*ANTI-TERRORISM ACT APPROVED
By SWD Staff
President George W. Bush Friday signed into law a sweeping anti-terrorism
act that makes certain computer crimes acts of terrorism with severe
penalties. The Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and
Obstruct Terrorism Act, now known as the Patriot Act, also gives
authorities much more latitude in tracking suspected criminals' telephone,
e-mail and Internet use by requiring only court notification, rather than
approval for certain surveillance activity.

"As of today, we're changing the laws governing information sharing. And
as importantly, we're changing the culture of our various agencies that
fight terrorism," Bush said during a signing ceremony Friday. "Countering
and investigating terrorist activity is the No. 1 priority for both law
enforcement and intelligence agencies."

Among the USA Patriot Act's provisions is a new definition of terrorism,
which now includes computer hacking. Such crimes now covered under the new
law include unleashing malware that can destroy critical infrastructure
systems, hacking into a government system and damaging Internet-connected
computers. The act, created in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedies, also
defines "cyberterrorism" to include computer crimes that cause at least
$5,000 in damage or destroy medical equipment.

In addition, biometrics will be increasingly used to identify visa holders
trying to enter the United States. More federal agents also will be
trained in new computer forensics labs used to seize and intercept
evidence related to cyberterrorism.

The most contentious provisions deal with surveillance. Civil liberties
groups were among those who questioned the broader search and seizure
powers allowed by the USA Patriot Act, believing it to be more of an FBI
wish list than a legitimate means of stopping terrorism. Under certain
circumstances, police can now search homes and offices without a court
order or ever notifying the subject of the inquiry.

It also allows the FBI to more liberally use DCS 1000 wiretap technology,
previously called Carnivore, to capture suspects' Web browsing habits and
e-mail correspondence without a judge's order.

To help allay privacy advocates' fears, Congress set a December 2005
expiration date for certain provisions. But the sunset clause also allows
renewal if circumstances warrant it.
http://www.epic.org/privacy/terrorism/patriot_sec.pdf
http://www.cpsr.org/issues/ICACComments.html

I have to give rights to my uncle for sending this to me, thanks.