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Virtual Office: VoIP, Terrorism and the FCC
Virtual Office Featured Article
May 14, 2012
Virtual Office: VoIP, Terrorism and the FCC

By Jacqueline Lee, Contributing Writer


The face of telephony has drastically changed since September 11, 2001. VoIP infrastructure has made serious gains on circuit-based networks. So many businesses and government agencies are using VoIP that the FCC (News - Alert) has added VoIP to the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). Participation in DIRS means that VoIP providers will receive FCC assistance in the event of a terrorist attack.


In addition to having motivation to attack VoIP networks, some terrorist networks actually leverage VoIP technology to their advantage. Lakshar-e-Taiba, the terrorist group behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has actually developed its own VoIP network that facilitates terrorist communications across GPRS networks.

The VoIP network established by Lakshar-e-Taiba has frustrated both U.S. and U.K. intelligence services because communication over that network is much more difficult to monitor than communication via email or commercial VoIP network.

“Earlier, we could intercept conversations on phone or locate Lashkar cadres based on their IP addresses through their emails,” an intelligence source told the Times. “But now we're finding it tough to gather intelligence because Lashkar men hold audio or video conferences using private VoIP.”

In the U.S., calls made over VoIP networks can be wiretapped with probable cause and a warrant. Additionally, the FBI is currently proposing changes to a 1994 law called the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. CALEA applies to broadband networks, but the FBI wants to expand the wiretapping to include social media, IM and webmail.

However, in addition to being used by terrorists, VoIP networks are also vulnerable to terrorist attacks. VoIP providers that register with DIRS now can report the status of their networks to the FCC in the event of a terrorist attack. Providers can enter their network infrastructure status or situational awareness information onto the DIRS web-based system. The FCC will provide resources and coordinate efforts to restore VoIP services in the event of an attack.

“Increasing numbers of consumers, businesses, and government agencies rely on broadband and interconnected VoIP services for everyday and emergency communications needs, including vital 9-1-1 services,” said the Federal Register. “It is therefore imperative that the Disaster Information Reporting System be expanded to include these new technologies in order for the Commission the gain an accurate picture of communications landscape during disasters.”

The FCC is allowing comments on the proposed directive until May 23, although no significant objection to the addition of VoIP to DIRS has arisen.




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