Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has filed a patent application for a technology that can secretly intercept, monitor and record communications conducted over VoIP networks. Called "Legal Intercept," the technology's patent application was filed in 2009 and publicized this week. Audio messages transmitted via online games, instant-messaging protocols that transmit audio and video-conferencing software were cited as possible targets. In addition, the patent outlines the presence of a recording agent that is placed inside a router or call server, or within the network of an organization.

As reported by eWeek, Legal Intercept was designed to address inadequacies in existing monitoring tools that were created for intercepting POTS, or Plain Old Telephone Service, and which do not work with VoIP. While speculations are rife that Microsoft will eventually incorporate this technology into Skype--which was used as an example in the patent application--what Microsoft eventually intends for the patent isn't clear at the moment.

For more:
- check out this article at eWeek
- check out this article at Computerworld

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