ISPs flouting RICA Mello
Publish date: 04 July 2007
Issue Number: 1190
Diary: Legalbrief eLaw
Category: Telecoms
Internet service providers (ISPs) are flouting the Regulation of Interception and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (RICA) because of the cost involved, says IST Telecoms MD Magatho Mello.
RICA requires telecommunications providers and ISPs to install lawful intercept (LI) technology at their own cost to monitor voice and data traffic across their networks and provide the material gathered to the state against a warrant signed by a High Court judge. ITWeb reports that the cost of LI technology to an ISP, with a presence in three cities, will be at least $400 000 (about R2.8m), Mello says. ISPs see the expense as unnecessary and are dragging their heels, despite a legal requirement for them to comply. Full ITWeb report
