The administration of US President Joe Biden has announced a desire to support the extension of Section 702 of the US Federal Secret Surveillance Act (FISA), the White House said. The law allows for electronic surveillance of aliens outside the United States. It expires in December 2023.
“Section 702 has proven to be a cornerstone of US national security. This body is an invaluable tool that continues to protect Americans every day and ensures that U.S. defense, intelligence, and law enforcement respond appropriately to threats from the PRC, Russia, nefarious cybercriminals, terrorists, and those who seek to damage our critical infrastructure.” V statement White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
The Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence of the United States, it follows from the statement, have already submitted a request for an extension of FISA to the leadership of Congress.
Article 702 of FISA allows surveillance without a warrant on individuals who are outside the United States but use American electronic services. Thus, intelligence receives data used to combat international terrorism. The FISA law was passed in 1977, and amendments to it, including Article 702, were adopted in 2008. Section 702 was extended by Congress in early 2018 for six years, through the end of 2023. A number of US politicians have proposed giving Section 702 the status of a permanent operation.
