FBI’s Carnivore System Disrupted Anti-Terror Investigation

An FBI anti-terrorism investigation possibly involving Osama bin Laden was hampered by technical flaws in the Bureau’s controversial Carnivore Internet surveillance system. The incident, which occurred in March 2000, is described in newly-released FBI documents obtained under court order by the Electronic Privacy Information Centre. A written report describes the incident as part of a ‘pattern’ indicating ‘an inability on the part of the FBI to manage’ its foreign intelligence surveillance activities