Were Telcos Justified in Warrantless Wiretaps?

Democrats and Republicans in Congress are divided over a critical telecom issue: wiretapping. Are the U.S.'s largest phone companies liable for assisting the federal government in carrying out warrantless wiretaps?

The answer may not be one that privacy advocates want to hear. Even if the Bush Administration acted outside the authority of the Constitution in authorizing wiretaps since September 11, 2001, our sources say the phone companies can defend their actions.