Wednesday, 2 April 2025
24.1 C
Singapore
31.1 C
Thailand
21.9 C
Indonesia
26.6 C
Philippines

Lawmakers vote to reauthorise a US spying law that critics say expands government surveillance

US lawmakers have reauthorised the controversial surveillance law, FISA, amidst privacy concerns and opposition, setting its next expiry for the end of 2026.

Early on April 15, lawmakers passed a bill to reauthorise and expand a controversial U.S. surveillance law known as Section 702 under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The decision came just after the law’s powers expired at midnight, amidst opposition from privacy advocates and some members of Congress.

The debate over privacy and security

The bill, which passed with a 60-34 vote, permits the U.S. government to collect communications from foreign nationals through tech and phone companies. However, critics argue that it also inadvertently captures communications involving Americans. Despite this, officials from the White House and various intelligence agencies supported the reauthorisation, claiming it was crucial for preventing terrorist and cyber attacks. They emphasised that most of the information in the presidentโ€™s daily intelligence briefings comes from the Section 702 programme.

On the other side, privacy advocates and some rights groups opposed the reauthorisation. They highlighted that the FBI and NSA can search the Section 702 database for Americans’ communications without a warrant. This has raised concerns about potential abuses of power, especially as accusations of warrantless searches by the FBI and NSA have surfaced. Efforts to amend the bill to require warrants for searches were ultimately unsuccessful in the Senate.

The path forward for FISA

The bill has now moved to the presidentโ€™s desk and is expected to be signed into law. FISA, which was initially enacted in 1978, has faced increased scrutiny since 2013, when a significant leak revealed the U.S. government’s extensive global wiretapping activities. The recent House version of the bill faced opposition for potentially broadening FISAโ€™s reach to include smaller companies and telecom providers, which had previously not been covered.

Senator Ron Wyden, a vocal advocate for privacy, criticised the last-minute push to renew the law without adequate reforms. He stressed that promises of minor adjustments had repeatedly failed to prevent misuse of the surveillance powers.

Despite the controversy, a key FISA provision ensures that the government’s surveillance activities can continue even if the law’s authorisation temporarily lapses. The FISA Court, which must approve the government’s surveillance programmes annually, last certified these programmes in early April, allowing them to extend until at least April 2025. The current reauthorisation of FISA extends its expiration to the end of 2026, potentially setting the stage for future legislative debates.

Hot this week

China-aligned hacker group FamousSparrow resurfaces in cyberattacks

ESET finds China-linked hacker group FamousSparrow still active with upgraded tools, targeting institutions in the US, Mexico and Honduras.

Intel remains on course for next-gen CPUs

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan confirms that next-gen CPUs, including Panther Lake and Nova Lake, remain on track, with Panther Lake arriving in 2025.

Instagram introduces new speed-up feature for Reels

Instagram now lets you watch Reels at double speed, just like TikTok. The new feature helps you get through longer videos faster and easier.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

DEEPAL launches flagship S07 and opens showroom in Singapore

DEEPAL launches in Singapore with new showroom and flagship S07 electric SUV, marking its sixth global market.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: A mid-range marvel with standout zoom

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro blends standout design, powerful zoom camera, and smart features, making it a top choice in the mid-range segment.

Vivo challenges iPhone 16 Pro Max with X200 Ultraโ€™s video stability

Vivoโ€™s X200 Ultra teaser compares video stability with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, promising top-tier camera upgrades and advanced stabilisation.

Related Articles