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

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More