FBI reportedly launches surveillance unit targeting online

CNET is reporting today that the FBI has quietly 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. The Bureau has in this way far been or rather tight-lipped about its unit, known as the Domestic Communications Assistance Center, declining to name even the person in charge of it. CNET, but, was able to glean and piece at the same time information about the initiative through interviews and reviews of internal government documents.

According to these sources, DCAC is designed to cover a relatively broad scope of surveillance- and security-related issues. Its mandate includes intercepting Skype messages, building wiretap devices, and serving as a "surveillance help desk" for local, state, and federal authorities. The outfit will as well be responsible for analyzing any data a provider or social network may submit in response to court orders. A source close to the matter told CNET that the DCAC is currently being launched, although it's not but operational. A Justice Department document, but, describes the agency as "recently established."

The FBI has long pushed for a more comprehensive approach to electronic surveillance, on the grounds 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 earlier 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.

The FBI did provide a statement on its new center

The FBI did provide a statement on its new center, emphasizing that the unit will only provide the technical foundation for wiretap investigations, without in fact performing any surveillance itself. "It is important to point out that the NDCAC will not be responsible for the actual execution of any electronic surveillance court orders and will not have any direct operational or investigative role in investigations," the statement reads. "It will provide the technical knowledge and referrals in response to law enforcement's requests for technical assistance."