In two weeks, it will be easier for Uncle Sam to search your computer [Updated]

(credit: Stephen Melkisethian)

Update 1:52pm EST: New legislation was just proposed to delay implementation of Rule 41. Its passage is questionable.

Original story: Beginning December 1, the US surveillance state will expand—all without a congressional vote.

Earlier this year, a new Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure was amended after three years of study by an unelected advisory committee. It was signed by the US Supreme Court and allows judges to sign warrants to allow the authorities to hack into computers outside a judge's jurisdiction. Rule 41 also grants judges the power to use one warrant to search multiple computers anywhere instead of requiring warrants for each computer. Absent the rule, federal judges may only authorize electronic searches within their own judicial district.