White House Wants ISPs to Turn Over Records

WASHINGTON — The Bush Administration on Friday filed a motion in federal appeals court seeking the power to force Internet service providers to hand over information on customers — and barring them from telling customers they have done so.

Under the Patriot Act of 2001, investigative agencies were granted the ability to secretly demand customer data records from ISPs.

But a district judge last year barred such investigations, saying that because the investigated party would have no knowledge of the investigation, there would be no way they could challenge it.

On Friday, the White House asked a New York appellate court to overturn the ruling.

The filing came just one day after the Senate Intelligence Committee held a closed-door meeting to discuss another measure that civil libertarians are calling a major threat to individual rights.

The proposal would allow the FBI to subpoena records in intelligence investigations without the consent or approval of a judge or grand jury.

Such administrative subpoenas would require the approval of FBI Director Robert Mueller or his senior aides, and the White House would have to report to Congress twice each year on how the subpoenas are being used.

“The government has not made a compelling case that such extraordinarily broad powers are necessary, as it ought to when precious civil liberties are involved,” attorney Anita Ramasastry said.

The Intelligence Committee failed to come to a conclusion on the issue, and debate cannot continue until after Congress’ Memorial Day recess ends June 7.

In all, 16 provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire this December. The Bush Administration has said it would like Congress to renew all provisions and, in some cases, such as the “administrative subpoenas,” expand them.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More