FBI Reportedly Created VoIP Surveillance Unit

Providers of voice over Internet protocol solutions have the benefit of being able to monitor a program’s surveillance and security. The FBI is taking it a step forward, although, as it recently requested that VoIP providers voluntarily support backdoor access to users’ phone calls.

The FBI has reportedly created a new Web surveillance unit, charged with the task of developing new ways to intercept online, wireless, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communications. According to CNET, the Domestic Communications Assistance Center is designed to cover a relatively broad scope of surveillance- and security-related issues.

Its mandate includes interpreting Skype messages, building wiretap devices, and serving as a "surveillance help desk" for local, state and federal authorities. The unit will as well be responsible for analyzing any data a provider or social network any submit in response to court orders.

The FBI has long pushed for a more comprehensive approach to electronic surveillance, claiming that recent encryption developments have made it far more difficult for investigators to intercept communications. In February, at that time-general counsel Valerie Caproni testified previously the House Judiciary Committee, arguing for new legislation that would require social networks and wireless providers to have clear procedures for divulging encrypted data when requested to do so by the government.

Other sources report that FBI has, as a matter of fact, not been promoting the bureau’s push for expanded wiretapping capabilities, however rather asking how that can be implemented during causing minimal disruption for the companies with networks that would be directly accessed. FBI officials have to all appearances been meeting with industry giants like Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo, among others to reach that solution.