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Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 12:10:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: Washington Weekly <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: IP: Text of Letter from Rep. Bob Barr to Sandy Berger
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: Washington Weekly <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
TEXT OF LETTER FROM REP. BOB BARR TO NSC DIRECTOR SANDY BERGER
Expressing Concerns About New National Surveillance System
July 28, 1999
The Honorable Samuel R. Berger
National Security Advisor
Old Executive Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20506
IN RE: Fidnet
Dear Mr. Berger:
According to media reports, the National Security Council is
coordinating the development of a massive computer surveillance
system -- Fidnet -- to monitor the electronic activities of
millions of Americans.
While it clearly is appropriate for the government to take steps
to protect its technological infrastructure and its computers
from attack, we must not allow fear of those threats to blind us
to the need to balance the competing interests of privacy, cost,
law enforcement, and national security. If the reported decision
process on this project so far is any indication, you may not be
adequately balancing these interests. For one thing, apparently
input is being sought only from the law enforcement and national
security communities.
I am concerned the National Security Council is vastly
underestimating the level of public concern about electronic
privacy. The Clinton Administration has made this mistake
before; proposing the much-reviled and now discredited Know Your
Customer plan. Most recently, we witnessed the Administration's
disdain for accountability and oversight, in its citation of a
bogus attorney-client privilege to avoid giving basic information
to the House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee.
If you intend to move forward with this plan, I request a full
briefing on its structure, focusing specifically on its cost and
privacy implications. I look forward to your response.
With kind regards, I am,
very truly yours,
BOB BARR
Member of Congress
Published in the Aug. 2, 1999 issue of The Washington Weekly
Copyright 1999 The Washington Weekly (http://www.federal.com)
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The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation <http://www.ibuc.com/>
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