Surveillance
Senators to revive reform effort for controversial spying law
The proposed changes to Section 702 of FISA would mandate warrants for searches of U.S. person communications and revisit a 2024 provision that critics say widened the government’s surveillance reach.
White House will hold meeting to discuss renewal of controversial spying power
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire this spring unless renewed by lawmakers.
Domestic surveillance fears loom over Congress debate to renew spying power
Lawmakers’ concerns about immigration enforcement and Fourth Amendment compliance are weighing on the reauthorization fight for Section 702 of FISA, even as the FBI privately warns against letting the foreign spying law lapse.
Trump nominee to lead NSA commits to backing controversial spying law
Lt. Gen. Josh Rudd also promised to prioritize NSA efforts to protect U.S. elections.
How Trump’s DC takeover could supercharge surveillance
The emergency declaration, combined with new tech, will give government broad new abilities to watch and monitor citizens.
Democrats press Palantir about reported creation of IRS ‘mega-database’
The possible creation of a shareable, governmentwide database of Americans’ personal information would be a “surveillance nightmare,” 10 House and Senate Democrats wrote in a letter to the tech company.
Civil liberties groups urge spy chief to declassify parts of contested surveillance program
Tulsi Gabbard’s views on the Section 702 program have run atypical to those of past spy chiefs, but it’s not clear what declassification authorities she immediately has.
Trump axes Democrats on intelligence and privacy oversight board
The removals come as Congress is set to decide next year whether to renew a controversial surveillance authority that’s been scrutinized by the board.
FY2025 NDAA targets spyware threats to U.S. diplomats, military devices
The language comes as the State department has pressed foreign governments to collectively set standards to prevent spyware abuses.
DHS surveillance tools lack bias and privacy protections, GAO says
DHS law enforcement agencies are currently developing policies to reduce bias in the use of AI-enabled tech but have no plans to do so for other monitoring tools.
Justice broadens its AI data analysis abilities to process video, redact info
An expanded contract with AI software firm Veritone will allow the Department of Justice to streamline unstructured data for limited requested public access and investigative efforts.
Biden looks to preserve tech, cyber legacy with veto threat
Experts see continuity in tech policy from the Biden administration to a possible Kamala Harris presidency, with possible divergence on some national security and antitrust issues.
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Section 702 renewal has support in Congress, but intelligence officials are leery of warrant measure
The disputed surveillance authority expires April 19, and the intelligence community is sending a full-court press to keep it from garnering significant privacy reforms.
Biden’s new data security order leaves industry officials, privacy advocates scratching their heads
Implementing the executive order will involve crafting new legal mechanisms for data transfers while assuaging ongoing privacy concerns.
NSA ‘recently completed’ AI strategic study, director says
Outgoing chief Gen. Paul Nakasone looks back, forward, and pushes for Sec. 702 authority.
Biden Administration Examining How Companies Use AI to Surveil Employees
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is seeking public feedback on companies’ use of artificial intelligence and automated systems to monitor employees.
Repent Your Abuses of Eavesdropping Law, Lawmakers Tell Intel Agencies
House pols want change as agencies seek renewal of FISA’s Section 702.
Digital Authoritarianism Poses ‘Critical Threat’ to National Security, Intel Chief Says
The top U.S. intelligence official said democratic nations need to develop frameworks that “preserve, to the greatest extent, the promise” of emerging tech that could be used by repressive regimes to censor or surveil citizens.
CFPB Announces New Inquiry into Data Brokers
The financial regulatory agency wants to learn more about data brokers’ business operations, especially surrounding user experiences.
Chinese Spy Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison
The foreign national intended to obtain U.S. citizenship and a security clearance in order to get a federal government cybersecurity position.
