“Backdoor” access permits the FBI to seize citizen’s data without a warrant.
A bill sponsored by over a dozen senators and representatives would close legal loopholes that allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to seize digital data from private citizens without a warrant.
In the wake of 9/11, in order to prevent another devastating terrorist attack from occurring, Congress passed an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act labeled Section 702 in 2008, which allows the FBI to seize private data without a warrant for any reason. Since then, the FBI has surveilled the data of potentially millions of Americans.
In July, the Office of Director of National Intelligence revealed that the FBI had recently spied on the information of a U.S. senator and two state officials. This motivated legislators to take stronger action to close this legal loophole.
“When the FBI snoops on the American people without a warrant, it’s not a blunder, it’s a breach of trust and it’s a violation of the Constitution,” said Senator Mike Lee of Utah, one of the bill’s sponsors.
“We’re introducing a bill that protects both Americans’ security and Americans’ liberty,” Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon added.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the senators as they promote the legislation that would curb federal agencies’ ability to spy on U.S. citizens.
- For members of Congress to be led by the Lord in their passage of legislation for the benefit of Americans.
Sources: Reuters, Wyden.Senate.gov
