FBI: Advanced Communications Technologies Pose Wiretapping Challenges.
Abstract
The General Accounting Office (GAO) identified and assessed the technological alternatives for wiretapping in the following technologies: (1) analog and digital using copper wire transport, (2) analog and digital using fiber optic transport, (3) ISDN, (4) PBX, (5) broadband, (6) cellular, (7) satellite, (8) Pcs, and (9) PCN. As part of this assessment, GAO also analyzed the wiretapping implications of special features associated with these technologies. such as call forwarding and voice mail. On the basis of this analysis of the technologies and discussions with representatives of the telecommunications industry, GAO identified the six primary wiretapping locations. GAO also assessed the FBI'S past and current actions to satisfy its wiretapping needs, including its April 1992 proposal to amend the Communications Act of 1934, and its May 1992 proposal. GAO met with the FBI'S Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director (Operations), Technical Services Division, and technical managers from the FBI Engineering Research Facility to discuss the FBI'S progress in defining and communicating its wiretapping needs. GAO also held technical discussions on the above technologies with four Bell operating telephone companies, two switch manufacturers, two cellular providers, two cellular and satellite manufacturers, and the associations of the International Chiefs of Police and Major Cities Chiefs of Police. In addition, we contacted the National Security Agency, which told us that it does not have expertise in these areas. We performed our work at FBI's headquarters office in Washington, D.C., and Engineering Research Facility in Quantico, Virginia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA298096
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office