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A movement to vote against the extension of the PATRIOT Act was called for by more than a few groups. The voting was scheduled February 8, 2011. The so-called H.R. 514 is about to be extended, although it needs a YES vote by a full two-thirds of the House’s members. The reauthorization was viewed as being fast-tracked on the way to the House floor.

Contentions had been aired questioning the manner the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there had been no noteworthy reforms to the previous law that would warrant its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for supervision and responsibility. If ever, it is extremely weak and would not hold water.

Debates were done and proposals were presented last year. Amongst the areas that were debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the new proposed version is complete of these provisions. Though, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The primary extension was accepted in February last year. There is a new proposal to continue it until February of this year. There was a promise to resolve the concerns before granting an extra extension.

The uncertainty with the pending extension is that no debates are likely. There is no valid reform that could be expected with the deadline set until December 8, 2011. The projected revisions would not be carried out since no one is given the ability to offer alterations. The outcome would be the same PATRIOT as it is in its existing form.

It can be presumed that there is something about the bill that raised such reaction. For one, the law enables the administration to put anyone under observation. Covert court orders will be given under Section 215. With this, access to personal records could be approved. These include internet, phone and business records.

Foreign intelligence wiretaps could be allowable under this law. Anyone possibly will be wiretapped, even those without association to any foreign power or terrorist group. Any phone number, email account or other communications facility can be accessed whenever government “feels” there is a need to do so.

The foregoing are provisions of PATRIOT “that should not be renewed”. Critics declare that there ought to be consequential reforms prior to conclusively deciding for extension. For one, there ought to be a discussion so that additional checks and balances could be included. This will avoid exploitation and therefore defend civil liberties.

If you are concerned about our government, then you might want to consider using an IP Changer to help protect your Internet identity. Who knows what the government will do next.

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