U.S. Surveillance Law Expires Amidst Congressional Stalemate
A key U.S. surveillance law expired after Congress failed to reauthorize it, but existing operations will continue through 2027.
Atlas Newsdesk ·
U.S. Surveillance Law Expires Amidst Congressional Stalemate
Section 702 of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) expired on Friday, June 14, following the U.S. Congress's failure to reauthorize the provision. This lapse occurred after ongoing debates regarding the balance between national security and civil liberties, particularly concerning the warrantless collection of communications involving U.S. citizens.
The expiration impacts the authority of national security agencies to collect and review electronic communications of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States. While the program is designed for foreign intelligence, it can incidentally collect data from U.S. citizens communicating with targeted foreigners. Privacy advocates have consistently called for reforms, including a warrant requirement for accessing U.S. persons' data, a measure that failed to pass in Congress.
Despite the statutory expiration, existing surveillance operations under Section 702 are expected to continue through March 2027. This continuation is due to year-long certifications approved by a special federal court, which remain valid. Congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, expressed concerns about the program "going dark," though privacy groups contend this is a misrepresentation given the ongoing validity of current certifications.