The House Appropriations Committee has unanimously approved an amendment to strengthen email privacy.

The amendment prevents agencies funded through the Financial Services Appropriations from snooping around in online data without getting a warrant first.  Agencies under the amendment include the Treasury Department (and thus the IRS), the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Executive Office of the President, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Since the laws currently governing electronic privacy were written as wiretapping laws in 1986, things like text messages, chat, and emails are not covered.  While the measure passed yesterday would only limit certain agencies from accessing electronic communication without a green light from a judge, another bill before the House Judiciary Committee would expand protection further.