Press Release
Free Press: No Immunity for Telco Spying
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- President Bush today pledged to veto congressional legislation on government eavesdropping if it doesn't include retroactive immunity for companies like AT&T and Verizon for aiding government surveillance.
Free Press Executive Director Josh Silver made the following statement:
"The phone companies have proved time and again that they can't be trusted. They've censored free speech, attacked the open Internet, and, worst of all, allowed spying without a warrant on their networks.
"The telco giants have worked hand-in-hand with the current administration to whittle away our fundamental constitutional freedoms, all the while seeking special policy favors and a rubber stamp for their mega-billion-dollar mergers.
"Now is the time to take a stand. Congress must reject immunity for these companies and hold them accountable for their actions."
Free Press Executive Director Josh Silver made the following statement:
"The phone companies have proved time and again that they can't be trusted. They've censored free speech, attacked the open Internet, and, worst of all, allowed spying without a warrant on their networks.
"The telco giants have worked hand-in-hand with the current administration to whittle away our fundamental constitutional freedoms, all the while seeking special policy favors and a rubber stamp for their mega-billion-dollar mergers.
"Now is the time to take a stand. Congress must reject immunity for these companies and hold them accountable for their actions."
