Recent news has highlighted Congress's efforts to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which permits spy agencies to gather electronic communications without a warrant. Both Republicans and Democrats have been involved in advancing the measure, although some members from both parties are seeking significant alterations before a final vote.
FISA, enacted in 1978, is a U.S. federal law that outlines procedures for the surveillance and collection of foreign intelligence information, both physically and electronically. It was created in response to concerns about government surveillance activities and aims to strike a balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights. Over the years, FISA has been subject to various amendments and debates, with Section 702 specifically authorizing the collection of electronic communications of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States for foreign intelligence purposes.