Federal Communications Commission. “FCC requires certain broadband and VoIP providers to accommodate wiretaps.” August 5, 2005.

Summary: The Federal Communications Commission has determined that broadband Internet services count as a replacement for “a substantial portion of the local telephone exchange” and therefore, under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, must be prepared to perform wiretaps when the feds ask them to. The practical consequence is that the manufacturers of routers and other equipment used in broadband communications will have to make their products less secure, by providing easy access mechanisms for inquisitors.