New FBI phone record rules could elimate paper trail.

The FBI, “which has been criticized for improperly gathering telephone records in terrorism cases,” has issued new rules for agents who want phone companies to voluntarily hand over their records. “The new instructions tell agents there is no need to follow up with national security letters or subpoenas,” the Washington Post reports. “The agents are also told that the new letter template is the preferred method in emergencies but that they may make requests orally, with no paperwork sent to phone companies.”