The European Union is to investigate ways in which law
enforcement agencies can tap into
voice over IP services such as Skype, after fears that
criminals are taking advantage of the secure encrypted
networks.
The Eurojust agency
is coordinating the effort, following publicity that Italian
enforcement bodies
have complained that drug smugglers, among other criminals, are
protecting their communications using Skype.
At the request of the Direzione Nazionale Antimafia organisation
in Rome, the Italian Desk at Eurojust will play a key role in the
coordination and cooperation of the investigations on the use of
VoIP.
Eurojust will be available to assist all European law
enforcement and prosecution authorities in the EU member states.
The purpose of Eurojust's coordination role, it said, is to
overcome "the technical and judicial obstacles to the interception
of internet telephony systems, taking into account the various data
protection rules and civil rights".
It said, "Skype's encryption system is a secret which the
company refuses to share with the authorities."
Carmen Manfredda, acting Eurojust national member for Italy,
said, "Our aim is not to stop users from taking advantage of
internet telephony, but to prevent criminals from using Skype and
other systems to plan and organise their unlawful actions. Eurojust
will make all possible efforts to coordinate and assist in the
cooperation between member States."
The US and Chinese authorities are also making efforts to crack
the Skype encryption system.