House bill would make ISPs keep user data

House bill would make ISPs keep user data
The Washington Post reports that Rep. Lamar Smith introduced a measure in the House of Representatives last week that would require all internet service providers to keep records on their customers. This measure would be part of the larger SAFETY Act, which would give the attorney general broad powers to write rules on what information companies have to record and retain. This initiative is aimed at protecting children from online predators. However, online advocates say the privacy and civil-liberties issues raised are huge. In addition, the industry is very concerned about the costs of compliance. At minimum, this provision would require that ISPs would have to keep the subscriber's name and address, which can be linked to an internet protocol address. Smith said that in order to gain access to this information, law enforcement officials would have to subpoena it. In addition, they would not be able to use the tool to track law-abiding citizens on the internet