Xref: utzoo rec.ham-radio:4853 rec.audio:6458 sci.electronics:2969
Newsgroups: rec.ham-radio,rec.audio,sci.electronics
Path: utzoo!henry
From: henry@utzoo.uucp (Henry Spencer)
Subject: Re: How to receive FM subcarrier service
Message-ID: <1988May18.060115.2481@utzoo.uucp>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
References: <6745@watdragon.waterloo.edu> <5330@cup.portal.com>, <1469@uop.edu>
Date: Wed, 18 May 88 06:01:15 GMT

> > the Electronic Communications Privacy Act makes listening to sub-carrier
> > signals illegal.
> 
> I don't think that's true. As far as I know, anyone can listen to
> anything they want, but according to the secrecy of communications
> part of the Communications Act of 1934 it IS a crime to divulge the
> contents or existance of any electronics communications...

Unfortunately the ECPA is a very different story and much harsher than
the 1934 law.  Yes, it IS illegal to listen to sub-carrier signals in
the US unless you are properly authorized.  The ECPA was passed last
year, if memory serves.  An amazing number of things are illegal under
it.  I'm amazed that you missed hearing about it; the uproar on the net
was deafening.
-- 
NASA is to spaceflight as            |  Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology
the Post Office is to mail.          | {ihnp4,decvax,uunet!mnetor}!utzoo!henry