The USA Freedom Act of 2015: A Summary
A Comprehensive Overview
Enacted on June 2, 2015, the USA Freedom Act was a significant piece of legislation that reformed the government's surveillance practices. It aimed to balance national security with individual privacy concerns and included several key provisions:
Patriot Act Provisions Revised
The Act made significant revisions to Section 215 of the Patriot Act, which allowed the government to collect telephone metadata in bulk. Under the new provisions, the government is required to obtain a court order specifying the person or group under investigation and the specific records sought.
New Privacy Protections
The Act also introduced new privacy protections, including the creation of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) to monitor and review government surveillance programs. It also required the government to destroy collected records if they are no longer relevant to an investigation.
Increased Transparency
The Act aimed to increase transparency by requiring the government to report on the number of warrants it obtains under Section 215 and the number of records it collects. It also established a process for individuals to request access to information collected about them under Section 215.
Unresolved Concerns
While the USA Freedom Act provided important reforms, some concerns remain. Critics argue that the government still has the ability to collect excessive amounts of data and that the PCLOB lacks sufficient power to oversee surveillance activities effectively.
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