Microsoft gets patent for VoIP wiretap technology

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has earned a patent for technology that can be used to eavesdrop on VoIP calls, and even though it is unclear right now what the company will do with the technology, who might use it and under what conditions, the news is sure to revive some of the controversy around the federal government's tapping of phone conversations (with an assist from major telcos) without warrants a few years back.

The technology, called Legal Intercept, is a method of recording Web-based communications, including VoIP, and if used by law enforcement, reportedly would drastically improve their ability to track Internet-based communications. In particular, the VoIP wiretapping issue has been top of mind in recent months as the FBI has been looking for more effective ways of tracking VoIP calls. The agency reportedly has wanted a capability that could be integrated into new platforms in such a way that it would be easier to use and, presumably, better hidden.

Microsoft appears to be undecided about how it will use this technology, especially given that it is not clear if the federal government would be interested in this service.

The patent is also sure to fuel more conspiracy theories about why Microsoft is acquiring Skype--could it be to spy on all those Skype conversations? Microsoft has not indicated any such thing, but critics of the deal already are suggesting Microsoft is behind every Skype outage and technology decision, so they should have a field day with this one.

For more:
- read this InformationWeek Government story

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The FBI has been urging better VoIP wiretapping methods
Making VoIP more wiretap-friendly has been a hot legislative issue