While using the internet some of your most personal and sensitive information is sent across an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network..

This click stream data includes:

• every URL you visit
• search terms you enter in URLs
• URLs from search engines you enter

I recently discovered that government(US) standards now require that ISPs equip their networks to keep a record(s) of real-time surveillance of a target's e-mails, VOIP calls and internet usage -- as well as data like IP address assignment and web URLs.

ISP’s known* to keep your records of your internet usage:

• Comcast
• EarthLink
• Verizon
• Time Warner
• AOL AT&T
• Cox

Most law enforcement officials have decided that keeping ISP records are necessary to prosecute for computer crimes such as:

• trading in child pornography
• music piracy
• anonymous posters who write unflattering comments in stock-trading boards

Do you believe that it is necessary to keep a record of your internet activities? Why or Why not?

Source: Wired