Orwellian Watch: Mandatory Data Retention

Tweet

Awkward! During a Senate hearing prompted by outrage that Apple has been storing information on the locations of its mobile customers, deputy assistant attorney, Jason Weinstein, for the Department of Justice revealed his arm of the government wants something called a "mandatory data retention" law.

Such a law would require wireless carriers to track and store user information of its customers - just in case the Feds need it someday.

This is in complete contrast with Federal Trade Commission guidelines that advise carriers they should only collect or retain customer information that is necessary to perform their contractual services.

Isn't it bad enough that marketeers want to know our every move? Should any American have to choose between their mobile device or their 5th ammendment right not to self-incriminate?

Renee Oricchio is a technology writer and former supervising news producer for CNN Financial News. She has been covering the computer industry since 1987. @oricchio