FBI and friends get two more years of warrantless FISA Section 702 snooping

April 22, 2024 at 05:17PM US lawmakers reauthorized the controversial warrantless surveillance tool, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, for two more years. The legislation gives expanded surveillance powers to US intelligence agencies, allowing them to compel a range of individuals and organizations to spy for national security purposes. Privacy and civil liberties … Read more

Hugely expanded Section 702 surveillance powers set for US Senate vote

April 17, 2024 at 07:54PM The US Senate is set to renew surveillance powers under FISA Section 702, allowing intelligence agencies to spy on foreign communications. A new provision may broaden the definition of electronic communications service provider, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The House has passed the RISAA bill, but objections from … Read more

House Passes Reauthorization of Key US Surveillance Program After Days of Upheaval Over Changes

April 13, 2024 at 09:54AM The House approved a bill to reauthorize the U.S. government surveillance program by a bipartisan vote of 273-147. Speaker Johnson faced criticism from conservatives, with the bill being amended to extend the program for two years. The legislation faced opposition and will require an additional vote. The program is set … Read more

House Will Try Again on Reauthorization of US Spy Program After Republican Upheaval

April 12, 2024 at 09:48PM House Republicans are set to make a second attempt at advancing a bill for reauthorizing a national security surveillance program, now proposing a shorter two-year extension in hopes of winning over GOP critics. Speaker Mike Johnson aims to find a compromise amidst growing skepticism, with some Republicans expressing support for … Read more

House to Take up Bill to Reauthorize Crucial US Spy Program as Expiration Date Looms

April 6, 2024 at 08:36AM Next week, the House will consider a bill to reauthorize the Section 702 surveillance program for national security, despite concerns about privacy. The program allows the US to collect foreign communications without a warrant. Reauthorization faces political resistance due to concerns about privacy and FBI abuses, with proposed changes to … Read more

White House goes to court, not Congress, to renew warrantless spy powers

February 29, 2024 at 04:53PM The Biden Administration seeks a court, not congressional, renewal of controversial warrantless surveillance powers. US Senator Wyden criticizes this move, urging reforms to protect Americans’ rights. Section 702, allowing surveillance of foreigners and possibly US individuals, sparks legislative debate and concerns about abuse. Administration’s action prompts accusations of undermining Congress’s … Read more

Proposed US surveillance regime would enlist more businesses

December 11, 2023 at 08:49PM Two reform bills before Congress propose changes to the government-directed surveillance affecting US businesses. Section 702, set to expire in 2024, permits surveillance without warrant. The pending vote will decide between HR 6570, focusing on civil liberties, and HR 6611, expanding the businesses required to share data with the US. … Read more