PATRIOT ACT SECTION 505
Section 505 authorizes the use of what's essentially an administrative subpoena of personal records. The subpoenas require no probable cause or judicial oversight.
Before Patriot, these letters could only be issued against individuals who were reasonably suspected of espionage. But Patriot loosened the standard by allowing the letters to be used against anyone, including U.S. citizens, even if they themselves are not suspected of espionage or criminal activity. These letters may now be issued independently by FBI field offices, rather than by senior officials. And unlike Section 215 warrants, they are not subject to even perfunctory judicial review or oversight.
The records that can be obtained through the letters under Patriot include telephone logs, e-mail logs, certain financial and bank records, and credit reports, on the assertion that such information would be "relevant" to an ongoing terrorism investigation. THEY CANNOT BE USED IN ORDINARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS. Unlike 215, no court ordernot even a rubber-stamped orderis required. Those forced to turn over records are gagged from disclosing the demand.
i dont think we have anything to worry about unless any of you guys happen to be terrorists...