Besides, anything broadcast can be intercepted by a third party.
The big problem with this is that if they record, law enforcement can do “subpoena” time travel. Everything you’ve ever said on a private phone call could be used at some future date against you. Even what may have been, at the time, playful joking around, could be used at some future date to impeach your character.
I’m also amazed that companies are required by law to save all emails but not watercooler conversations or meeting contents.
It absolutely smacks of totalitarianism. Does it help law enforcement? You bet. But then, the USSR and Nazi Germany did that sort of stuff to help “law enforcement” too. It doesn’t mean its broad impact on the culture and individual freedom is worth it though.
By "anything broadcast can be intercepted by a third party", I mean the the phone company need have no involvement whatsoever in monitoring cellphone, cordless phone, or any communication that gets transmitted at any point via satellite or microwave link.
You did do me one better: Even what may have been, at the time, playful joking around, could be used at some future date to impeach your character.
Fatty Arbuckle.