Politicians on the federal and state levels are apparently lining up in support of efforts to require internet service providers (ISPs) to record the online activities of their users - just in case the information may be useful in any law-enforcement investigations that may be launched in the future, writes CNET in a longish piece. Not surprisingly, privacy advocates are concerned. Bush administration officials have endorsed it, and some members of Congress are considering legislation. In Colorado, a state bill is pending.

Rep. Ed Whitfield, a Kentucky Republican who heads a House oversight and investigations subcommittee, suggests such laws would be useful for investigating crimes against children. Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak, ranking Democrat on subcommittee, expressed skepticism about forcible data retention.

"I'm against this child porn stuff, but at the same time, let's not further erode the rights of the American people," Stupak said, adding that he would rather the private sector came up with a better solution.

Dave McClure, president of the U.S. Internet Industry Association representing small to midsize companies, says although supporters cite child pornography, the stored data would be open to any type of investigation.