The National Security Agency (NSA) is all set to expand a part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), known as Section 702. Edward Snowden warned businesses and individuals regarding that bill.
Edward Snowden, a former intelligence agency contractor, warned the community of the NSA’s plan to take over the internet and issued a stark warning for legislation that would go before the US Senate. Elizabeth Goitein, Co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program, and Senator Ron Wyden also commented on the NSA’s plan.
Edward Snowden Sounds Alarm On NSA
In an April 16 post to X, Edward Snowden alarmed businesses and individuals on the NSA’s plan to expand FISA, also termed as Section 702.
He drew attention to a thread posted by Elizabeth Goitein, the co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice.
If you work at a US tech firm, this bill could transform your whole company into a spy machine—whether you like it or not—and will be voted on in DAYS. The needs to be lobbying to kill this thing. This is what a red alert looks like. https://t.co/bOQoEjVoYi
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) April 15, 2024
Goitein warned individuals about the new bill that may result in United States government surveillance powers being extended to new levels.
“The NSA is just days away from taking over the internet,” Edward Snowden responded to Goitein’s post.
This bill, if passed, could transform the entire company into a spy machine and intends to kill the things, he added.
The Freedom of the Press Foundation has also commented on the current situation and stated the bill is a real emergency for press freedom. The bill will offer the intel agencies countless ways to surveil journalists and their sources by ordering Americans and businesses.
The Section 702 reauthorized bill is scheduled to be passed by the House of Representatives on April 19 and involves a Senate vote.
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden also expressed his views on the NSA’s plan.
“This bill represents one of the most dramatic and terrifying expansions of government surveillance authority in history. I will do everything in my power to stop it from passing in the Senate,” said Oregon Senator Ron Wyden.
This bill experienced strong pushback from different sides of the political aisle and involved several government representatives arguing that FISA violates citizens’ constitutional rights.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)
FISA of 1978, or Section 702, regulates particular types of foreign intelligence collection, including specific collections that take place with the support of U.S. Telecommunications companies.
As per the act, the NSA must apply techniques when organizing the NSA’s foreign intelligence mission to collect significant foreign intelligence information and operate with the FBI and other agencies.
Communication and collaboration with different agencies will uncover the links between foreign-based actors and their activities in the U.S. Additionally, all three branches of the U.S. government are accountable for the program organization under FISA and ensure systematic conduction of the same.
