National Security Letter Plaintiff Speaks

According to an article in newsday.com the U.S. Government decided yesterday to appeal a September ruling striking down a controversial provision of the Patriot Act. The provision permits the FBI to send secret demands, called "National Security Letters", to internet service providers (ISPs) without obtaining a judge's approval first.

One such ISP, identified only as 'John Doe' because of a gag order, has challenged the law. The plaintiff states that the gag provision make it "impossible for people...to discuss their specific concerns with the public, the press and Congress."

Additional details appear in a slashdot posting.