Biden Administration Seeks Court Approval to Extend Warrantless Surveillance Powers

The move to bypass Congress for a one-year extension of Section 702 has sparked controversy and criticism from lawmakers and privacy advocates.

The Biden Administration has requested a court to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, bypassing Congress.
Section 702 allows U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct warrantless surveillance on foreigners, but has also led to the incidental collection of Americans' communications.
Lawmakers, including Senator Ron Wyden, have criticized the administration's decision, advocating for reforms to protect Americans' rights.
Privacy advocates and civil liberties groups have expressed strong opposition to the extension without reforms, calling it a threat to democracy.
The administration defends its request as standard practice, emphasizing the importance of Section 702 for national security.