Search Records Requests under Patriot Act Ruled Unconstitutional, informs a post in Search Engine Watch. Judge Victor Marrero ruled certain elements, such as 'Search Records Requests' as unconstitutional. The patriot act allows the government conduct anti-terrorism investigations; this act "granted the FBI, among other things, the power to issue "national security letters" (NSLs) that would compel search engines, ISPs, phone companies, libraries and other public sources of information to turn over their customer records."

"The NSL has been a popular counter-terrorism tool since it can be issued without court approval or subpoena. It has, however, been the subject of substantial controversy and criticism. "

Many feel that Judge Marrero's ruling will be challenged by the Dept of Justice.

"It is expected that the Justice Department will strongly challenge yesterday's ruling. The lawsuit which resulted in this ruling was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and for those with a legal interest or extreme insomnia will find the entire report here on the ACLU site."

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