The FBI is looking to pass a law that would grant them access to some of the largest social networking websites such as Facebook, Gmail and other Google products, and Skype. FBI seeks out some of the largest and most popular social platforms, not every single one. The number of users that FBI looks for in a platform needing surveillance is unknown.
The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) was created in 1994 that granted access for telephone wire-tapping to the FBI. Tele-communication companies were required to provide the FBI ways to spy on suspected individuals. The same seems to be the case here but focusing on social media. The FBI wants back door access to these large social networks through their codes and encryption instructions that will allow for FBI surveillance. The FBI wants access in order to stop crime plots that are put together on these social sites before they happen.
The proposal for this law is explained by the FBI saying, "Social media has become a primary source of intelligence because it has become the premier first response to key events and the primal alert to possible developing situations... Intelligence analysts will often use social media to receive the first tip-off that a crisis has occurred"
As the world and its technology constantly changes the security agencies need to be included in the loop to protect the welfare of the country's citizens. Since 2008, the FBI has been concerned about the change of influence of communication from the telephone to online. With a majority of today's communication online, the FBI does not want to be left in the dark without any means of surveillance.
Some may argue, "If I have nothing to hide then why do I care? Plus, the FBI has done the same thing with phones for years and nobody complains." While others may take the route of, "This is a violation of my privacy. The FBI does not have a right to see my personal information."
The choice is yours to support a law like this passing or not.