EU investigates VoIP call tapping

The European Union has launched a wide-ranging investigation into the potential for monitoring criminal activity over VoIP networks, it has emerged.

Italy is leading the European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit, or Eurojust, which will analyse how arms and drug traffickers are using internet telephony.

Eurojust believes that organised criminal organisations are benefitting from using VoIP instead of more easily monitored fixed or mobile communications

Carmen Manfredda, Eurojust's acting national member for Italy, said: "The possibility of intercepting internet telephony will be an essential tool in the fight against international organised crime within Europe and beyond."

Ms Manfredda explained that their aim is not to stop users from "taking advantage of internet telephony" but rather to prevent criminals from using the technology to "plan and organise their unlawful actions".

"Eurojust will make all possible efforts to coordinate and assist in the cooperation between Member States," she added.

Telecoms technology provider Cisco recently launched a new guide for business and consumer users on VoIP security and threat protection.