Controversial Expansion of U.S. Surveillance Powers Under Section 702 Approved

New legislation extends warrantless surveillance for two years, broadening the scope of businesses and individuals subject to data collection.

President Joe Biden signed a bill extending Section 702, enhancing U.S. intelligence agencies' surveillance capabilities without warrants.
The reauthorization faced opposition due to concerns over privacy and abuse, particularly from the FBI's past misuse of surveillance data.
New definitions expand 'electronic communications service providers' to include a wider range of businesses and individuals.
Legal experts and civil liberties organizations criticize the expansion, fearing increased surveillance of Americans without adequate oversight.
Despite attempts to introduce warrant requirements and other reforms, the bill passed with significant bipartisan support in Congress.