FC: Rep. Ron Paul asks FBI to divulge info on Magic Lantern

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) is one of the most reliable champions of the Fourth 
Amendment in this Congress. Previous message:

"FBI refuses to tell Congress aide about 'classified' Magic Lantern"
http://www.politechbot.com/p-02955.html

Background on "Magic Lantern":
http://www.politechbot.com/cgi-bin/politech.cgi?name=lantern

-Declan

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From: "Singleton, Norman" <Norman.Singleton () mail house gov>
To: declan () well com
Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2002 17:49:40 -0500

Declan, I thought you might like to see this letter we sent Mueller last 
week regarding the FBi's refusal to provide information on Magic latern 
(feel free to send this to the politech list and have a good vacation)

I am writing regarding media reports that the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) is developing "Magic Lantern" software.  As you
know, Magic Lantern software allows the FBI to insert a computer
virus into a computer allowing the FBI to record every keystroke
made by anyone using that computer.  If the media reports are
accurate, the Magic Lantern project could greatly impact the
privacy and civil liberties of all Americans who communicate via e-
mail.

Recently, my Legislative Director attempted to obtain information
on this project from the FBI and was told such information was
classified.  Considering the potential impact of Magic Lantern, I
am sure you can understand why I was disturbed by this refusal.

I therefore respectfully request that your office either respond to
my Legislative Director's original request for information on Magic
Lantern, or provide me with written justification for the FBI's
refusal to share information on this crucial issue.  Please respond
to this request by two weeks after date of letter.  You may contact
Mr. Norman Singleton, my Legislative Director, if you have any
questions or need any information from my office. Thank you for
your cooperation in this matter.

Norman Kirk Singleton
Legislative Director
Congressman Ron Paul
202-225-2831 (ph)
202-226-4871 (fx)




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