On Wed, 12 September 2001, Hank Nussbacher wrote:

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,46747,00.html

How many have installed it?

From what little I know about Carnivore, there are a few odd elements in that story.

However, I would point out people have impersonated law enforcement officers in the past in order to gain access to facilities. "Real" law enforcement should never have a problem with you calling a lawyer or contacting the FBI/DOJ to verify their credentials. Use the phone number in the telephone book, not the one on their business card. The Carnivore box is rather limited, and comes with a lot of paperwork. And in all cases, the government must pay for any service they use (circuits, time and materials). If nothing else, there were be paperwork for were to send the bill. There is no "emergency" where law enforcement can't get a judge or other proper authority in time. FBI agents are fairly well trained, and most have a high degree of respect for the law. I've talked to several members of the technical branch, and they've all told me they are willing wait while the lawyers decide what they can and can't do. "Real" law enforcement won't object to you calling your lawyer, and often will assist you contacting your lawyer to speed up the process. If the Men In Black won't let you talk to a lawyer, somethings wrong. The last thing I think the FBI wants to do is trash someone's network, *again*.