The United States National Security Agency (NSA) is on the brink of assuming control over the internet through a significant expansion of its surveillance capabilities, as revealed by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. In a post on April 16, Snowden highlighted a thread initially posted by Elizabeth Goitein, the co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. Goitein warned of a new bill that could greatly enhance the US government’s surveillance powers.
Source:
Edward Snowden
The bill under consideration seeks to reform and extend a section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) called Section 702. Currently, the NSA has the authority to compel internet service providers, such as Google and Verizon, to surrender sensitive data related to NSA targets.
However, Goitein argues that a seemingly minor alteration to the definition of “electronic communications surveillance provider” in the FISA 702 bill could enable the US government to expand its surveillance capabilities far beyond the current scope. It could require virtually every company and individual offering any internet-related service to assist the NSA with surveillance activities.
Furthermore, those compelled to disclose information would be prohibited from discussing the details due to severe penalties and conditions imposed by the bill, according to Goitein.
Source:
Elizabeth Goitein
The bill initially faced resistance from privacy-conscious Republicans but was passed by the US House of Representatives on April 13.
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As part of the pushback, the proposed duration of the bill’s spying powers was reduced from five years to two years, and some minor amendments were made to the service providers covered by the surveillance measures.
However, according to Goitein, these amendments did little to curtail the scope of surveillance granted to the NSA. In her view, the amendments could even require service providers such as cleaners, plumbers, and IT professionals who have access to laptops and routers in people’s homes to provide information and act as “surrogate spies.”
The bill has faced strong opposition from both sides of the political spectrum, with several government representatives arguing that it violates citizens’ constitutional rights. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden called the bill “terrifying” and pledged to do everything in his power to block its passage in the Senate. Republican Congressperson Anna Paulina Luna, who voted against the bill in the House of Representatives, labeled Section 702 an “irresponsible extension” of the NSA’s powers. Luna added that government agencies must be required to obtain a warrant if they want access to data.
The bill is scheduled for a vote in the US Senate on April 19.
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