Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Our Mission
Reform ECPA and Expand Privacy Rights to the Internet
Privacy rights should not stop online. Our mission at Digital 4th is to extend Fourth Amendment rights to the digital age by updating the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). Private communications online need to be protected, just as they are when they occur through the mail or over the phone. Tracking a cell phone’s location over time should require a warrant, just like tracking a vehicle by attaching a GPS device does. By reforming ECPA, we can ensure all private communications and documents stored online receive the same protections from unreasonable search and seizure as information locally stored.
Recent News
Keep Big Brother Away From Our Emails
By Dan Holler, Real Clear Policy, May 17, 2013Times have changed since the 1980s, before most Americans had computers or access to Al Gore’s Internet. Nearly three decades later, advancements in technology have significantly changed the way we work, learn and communicate. While change in Washington typically presents challenges, it is critical that our laws adapt to garner the benefits of innovation without hindering American competitiveness and individual liberty.Eric Holder endorses warrants for e-mail. It’s about time.
By Timothy B. Lee, The Washington Post, May 16, 2013Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Attorney General Eric Holder declared his support for requiring the government to get a warrant before reading Americans’ e-mail. It’s about time.Senate Committee Approves ECPA Reform Bill
Press Release, April 25, 2013Today the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Electronic Communications Privacy Amendments Act of 2013 (S.607) with strong bipartisan support. The bill, co-sponsored by Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), took a critical step towards updating our privacy standards to the 21st Century.