New documents reveal parameters of NSA's secret surveillance programs

New documents reveal parameters of NSA's secret surveillance programs

www.washingtonpost.com

Authorized by Section 702 of the amended Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the program did away with the traditional individual warrant for each foreign suspect whose communications would be collected in the United States. In its place, the FISA court, which oversees domestic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes and whose proceedings are secret, would certify the government’s procedures to target people overseas and ensure citizens’ privacy.

(visit the link for the full news article)

It issues a certificate, good for one year, that allows the NSA to order a U.S. Internet or phone company to turn over over e-mails, phone calls and other communications related to a series of foreign targets, none of which the court approved individually.

Washington Post

So basically, the NSA doesn't have to get a warrant for each activity. They get a One-Year "blanket warrant" for ALL communications accessible to the NSA Sensor Network. Somehow, this doesn't seem exactly legal - or at the very least, doesn't comply with the "Spirit of the Law" set forth by the 4th Ammendment.

4th Ammendment
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Even more concerning, the decisions made by both the NSA and the secret FISA court are secret. Any oversight of these activities can't be checked by The People.

I'd like to think that these people are just getting carried away with their honest intent to keep everybody secure, but the potential for abuse of power is incredible. Not to mention that no Man or entity will ever be able to keep everyon safe. That's a hopeless, authoritarian, Utopian pipe-dream.




www.washingtonpost.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

reply to post by Heliophant

Not to mention that no Man or entity will ever be able to keep everyon safe. That's a hopeless, authoritarian, Utopian pipe-dream.

I thought keeping us safe wasn't the goal. Its to help keep them safe from the people, right?

Kinda surprised this news didnt get more attention and discussion today. Bummer. You'd think an admission of issuing blanket warrants from a secret court would stir up some interest.