I am writing to ask you to return my privacy rights in electronic communications through amendments to H.R. 2471. There is no reason for police to read electronic communication without obtaining a warrant; should they have valid concerns, a warrant will be easy to get, otherwise, there is no reason for snooping.
Currently, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 requires police to obtain only an administrative subpoena before reading e-mails, Facebook messages and other forms of electronic communication. Subpoenas don't require a judge's approval.
Senator Leahy (D-VT) has authored legislation that would require police to obtain a warrant from a judge instead of just a subpoena to read those communications. This is a step forward in protecting privacy in the digital age.
Americans value their privacy. Justice Brandeis called it "the right to be left alone." Please ensure privacy in any amendments to H.R. 1271.
N.B.: This is a customization of Progressive Secretary’s petition.