Conyers, Scott, Nadler Plan Hearings on Communications Privacy Reform

House Judiciary Committee Chair John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), along with Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, and Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-Va.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, pledged today to lead efforts in the House of Representatives to consider reform of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 ("ECPA"). To address the vast technological change that has occurred since the enactment of ECPA, the Judiciary Committee intends to review this statute, including holding hearings, this spring.

"I welcome the common ground achieved by major corporations and privacy groups on the need for ECPA reform," said Conyers. "Vast transformation, including the growth of the internet, has occurred in electronic communications since the enactment of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act in 1986. During the same period, the ability to monitor communication has also grown tremendously. As technology moves forward, it is clearly necessary for industry, as well as all Americans, to adjust and clarify the law. Our committee plans to hold hearings on this important issue this spring."

"With the great advances in communications technology we have seen in recent years, and the unprecedented extension of government powers to peer into traditionally private communications, we need to examine whether the lines are appropriately drawn to reflect the level of constitutional protections and liberties citizens expect in their everyday communications," said Scott. "I am pleased that privacy advocates and communications industry representatives have reached substantial agreement on how we should proceed and I look forward to working with them and my colleagues as we explore these highly important and sensitive areas of concern."

"With advances in technology in the years since the enactment of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Congress needs to review the law and ensure that standards for protecting privacy fit with the existing technological environment," said Nadler. "The framers of the Constitution placed great emphasis on the right of all people to be 'secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.' The technology has changed since the 18th century, but the principle has not. Congress must ensure that however transmitted, and however stored, our communications are properly protected."