The ever inquisitive U.S. government is seeking authority to tap more VoIP calls at its discretion. VoIP calling is typically cheaper than traditional PSTN calling. In the third quarter, according to research firm TeleGeography, VoIP subscriptions had reached 3.6 million in the U.S.

In contemplating cheaper VoIP services, consumers have been concerned about things such as 911 access and the quality of call transmission. Will they similarly be concerned about privacy and "Big Brother" listening in on them as a matter of routine?

We'll see.