A powerful US surveillance law is set to expire – what happens now?
Summary
A key part of a US surveillance law called Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is about to expire. This law allows intelligence agencies to collect some communications involving foreigners without a warrant. Congress has struggled to agree on renewing or reforming this section amid debates about privacy and national security.Key Facts
- Section 702 was created in 2008 and lets agencies collect emails and texts involving foreigners outside the US without a warrant.
- If an American talks to a foreign target, their communications can also be collected under this law.
- Privacy advocates argue the government uses this law to spy on Americans without warrants, which they say is unconstitutional.
- Intelligence agencies claim they need these powers to prevent terrorist attacks.
- Congress has only passed short-term extensions for Section 702 so far in 2024.
- House Republican leaders oppose adding a warrant requirement for surveilling Americans, blocking reforms.
- A tied vote in 2024 stopped a proposed amendment to require warrants, but advocates believe future votes may pass such a reform.
- The surveillance program can continue through special court approvals until March 2027 even if the law’s renewal lapses.
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