A court asked the Constitutional Court, Friday, to determine whether the Communication Protection Law allowing authorities to wiretap for an indefinite period in the course of investigations violates people's right to privacy.

The Seoul Central District Court said, "Excessive wiretapping could be taken as an infringement upon privacy regardless of the purpose of the investigation."Currently, a court allows wiretapping for a maximum of two months. A two month extension can be granted when deemed necessary.

However, lawyers in a legal dispute claim the National Intelligence Service has been snooping electronically on one of their client's Internet use for more than 32 months.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr