President Joe Biden has approved a contentious bill that extends the surveillance capabilities of United States government agencies, sparking concerns about the privacy rights of American citizens.
On April 20, the U.S. Senate voted 60-34 in favor of extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for two more years. President Biden signed the bill into law the following day.
Advocates of the bill, including President Biden and bipartisan members of Congress, argue that it is crucial for counter-terrorism efforts and safeguarding national security.
However, critics fear that the bill will lead to increased surveillance and grant expansive spying powers to agencies like the NSA, FBI, and CIA.
Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, condemned the bill, accusing supporters of sacrificing civil liberties.
With the bill now law, government agencies can compel internet service providers and other entities to aid in surveillance efforts, going beyond current capabilities.
Despite initial resistance, the bill passed the House of Representatives and saw an amendment requiring warrants for internet-based surveillance narrowly defeated.
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden labeled the bill as unconstitutional, echoing concerns raised by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, who described it as a significant expansion of government surveillance authority.
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