Hold the (Internet) Phone! The Implications of Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Telephony for National Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Emily Frye. Former Associate Director for Law and Economics.
Gregory Staiti. Former Intern.

Published in I/S: A Journal of Law and Policy for the Information Society.
Citation: Emily Frye & Gregory Staiti, Hold the (Internet) Phone! The Implications of Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Telephony for National Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection, 1 ISJLP 571 (2005).

ABSTRACT: As Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is adopted as a means of voice communications over the next decade there may be serious national security consequences. At present, VoIP service providers have difficulty connecting users to local "9-1-1" call centers. In addition, law enforcement officials may not have the legal authority or technical capability to monitor criminal communications over VoIP. An even greater concern to public safety and national security exists in the very practice of sending voice and data over the same lines. The convergence of formerly independent communications networks exposes voice to vulnerabilities, such as Internet viruses and hacking, that were nonexistent on the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This risk is especially significant due to the heavy dependence of critical infrastructure sectors, such as the energy, financial services industries, and first responders, on reliable voice and data communications. VoIP is replete with promise, but security issues must be addressed or its economic benefits could be lost in the wake of a malicious attack.

Article available here.