The Associated Press reports that telephone companies are “quietly hesitating” at a potential plan to have them alter how they collect and retain Americans’ phone records to help the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance programs. President Barack Obama is expected to announce his proposed changes on Friday. According to the report, phone company executives and their lawyers have said they prefer the NSA to keep control over the records. A representative from CTIA-The Wireless Association said, “Our members would oppose the imposition of data retention obligations that would require them to maintain customer data for longer than necessary.” One key concern for the phone companies is liability. Former NSA official Stewart Baker said Congress “grudgingly” gave legal protection to phone companies after the 2001 terrorist attacks. “The phone companies were seared by their experience in Congress and can’t be enthusiastic about a return engagement,” he added.
Full Story