Log Retention Unworkable in Wireless World

In February 2009, Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Lamar Smith, both Texas Republicans (yee-haw), announced proposed legislation titled the Internet SAFETY Act, designed to combat cyber-predators and online child exploitation.

Under this Act, lawmakers are seeking to impose requirements on ISPs and wireless network operators to keep records about the identities of their users.

Under the law, network operators would have to retain the network addresses assigned to any users for a minimum of two years, information which law enforcement could use to track down criminals.

But the broad language of the Bill, which would apply to any "provider of an electronic communication service," could mean that coffee shops, airport lounges and even individual households would be required to keep detailed logs, and that just isn't going to happen.