Intelligence Officials Push to Reauthorize Foreign Surveillance Law Despite Privacy Concerns

The White House is urging Congress to renew a law allowing intelligence agencies to collect communications from foreigners, but the law also permits warrantless searches of Americans’ data.
Agencies cite successes in stopping hackers, fentanyl smugglers and kidnappers, but critics argue the law has become an unchecked domestic spying tool.
The law, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, is set to expire at the end of the year.
Lawmakers and the public remain skeptical of intelligence agencies and want reforms like requiring warrants to search Americans’ data.
CIA, FBI and NSA officials testified before Congress on Tuesday to argue that the law is essential, but opponents say it needs more privacy protections.