Internet Safety Act Challenges Internet Privacy

There is a very heated debate taking place that could effect us all.  It is called the Internet Safety Act and it would require those who provide any kind of Internet access point to maintain a log of network activity for two years.  Not only would you maintain a log of traffic, you would have to provide it to law enforcement on their request.  Everyone from ISP’s like AT&T and Comcast, right down to you and me with our home routers would be held to this new legislation.

This is not the first time this kind of legislation has been put on the table.  It has been tried numerous times the last few years.  Each attempt is met with fierce opposition where politicians want to protect the democratic nature and anonymity the Internet provides.  But is this bill really about protecting children and aimed at stopping child pornography?

This act is really aimed at massaging the relationship between our government and various industries like the recording industry, film and television.  This would make prosecution of those who shared music, movies and television much easier.  Lawsuits would sky rocket and organizations like the RIAA could have a field day prosecuting Internet users left and right.  However, the ease would come from legislation not meant for peer-to-peer networks or other torrents.  I’m sure the RIAA wouldn’t complain though.

When thinking, ‘how can we get this passed’, why not aim it at child pornography.  What legislator can say he doesn’t want to protect the children of this country from exploitation?  Opposition to this bill will have politicians standing their ground and fending off citizens who cannot see the bigger picture of those who want more control on the Internet.

The democracy of it is what makes it so great.  Net neutrality and the ability to keep yourself and views fairly anonymous are the back bone of much of the Internet. 

This legislation is wildly unrealistic, and if it were to be realized, it would be extremely costly.  Do they really expect John & Jane Doe with their Linksys wireless router to keep a network log of traffic when they can barely check their e-mail?  I highly doubt it.  

I see this bill as a major invasion of privacy and it should be met with harsh opposition.  It has implications for anyone using the Internet, including you and I.  What do you think?  Invasion of privacy or a much needed tool for law enforcement?