GELLMAN, Robert

Perspectives on privacy and terrorism : all is not lost - yet - 2002

Antiterrorism legislation passed at the end of 2001 - the U.S.A. Patriot Act - has serious implications for privacy. Many of the law's provisions expand the government's existing ability to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications relating to terrorism and other crimes, to share criminal investigative information, and to conduct electronic surveillance. While the chages are controversial, and some are of questionable constitutionality, the surveillance provisions of the new law mostly make changes in degree and not kind. Other aspects of privacy and privacy law, other legislation expanded purposes were not modified. After passage of the antiterrorism law, other legislation expanded privacy protections in other areas. Further events and legislation will affect privacy rights and interests, and some protections may be eroded while others are improved