Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1992 13:59:00 EDT >From: David Sobel Subject: File 1--Political Action and CPSR (Re: CuD 4.60) In Cu Digest 4.60, Lawrence Schilling notes that "an effective response is needed as a corrective to abusive law enforcement action against so-called computer crime" and asks whether any organizations are monitoring law enforcement activities in this area and collecting relevant information. For the past two years, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) has made frequent use of the Freedom of Information Act in an effort to document government investigative activities involving computer users. CPSR's first requests to the Secret Service sought information concerning Operation Sun Devil; the most recent requests seek information on the agency's possible involvement in the 2600 incident in Arlington, Virginia. The Sun Devil requests are the subject of pending litigation. CPSR is also litigating FOIA cases against the FBI for documents relating to 1) Bureau monitoring of computer bulletin boards and conferences; and 2) the Bureau's "digital telephony" proposal to more easily facilitate wiretapping of digital communications. The 2600 incident is only the most recent indication that better public oversight of computer crime investigations is needed. In addition to the work being done by CPSR, EFF and other organizations, Congress and the media can play important roles in assuring that agencies such as the Secret Service and the FBI are held accountable for the conduct of these investigations. The issues raised by these cases are still relatively new, and they warrant an informed public debate that can only occur if the scope and purpose of government activities in this area are brought to light. Through its FOIA work, CPSR is seeking to achieve that goal. David L. Sobel Legal Counsel CPSR Washington Office ------------------------------ >From jdav Sun Nov 29 13:07:10 1992 Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253