Usa Freedom Act 2022

USA Freedom Act: Enhancing Privacy Protections in Intelligence Gathering

Background

The USA Freedom Act (HR2353) was enacted into law on June 2, 2015, as part of the USA Freedom Act of 2015. This act sought to restore and modify several provisions of the Patriot Act, which had been the subject of significant debate and controversy regarding government surveillance.

Key Provisions

* Section 215 Bulk Telephony Metadata Collection: The act prohibits the bulk collection of phone records under Section 215 of the Patriot Act. Instead, it requires the government to obtain a specific court order to access such records from telephone companies. * Section 702 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance: The act modified Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, requiring the government to minimize the collection of internet browsing and other communication data of U.S. citizens and residents. * Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC): The act reformed the FISC, which is responsible for authorizing surveillance under Section 215 and 702. It increased the transparency of the court and provided for the appointment of privacy advocates to review surveillance requests.

USA Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2020

In 2020, the USA Freedom Reauthorization Act was passed, extending the provisions of the USA Freedom Act through December 1, 2023. This reauthorization included minor modifications to further enhance privacy protections while maintaining the government's ability to conduct necessary intelligence gathering.

Other Related Developments

* President Biden's Support for Voting Rights: President Biden has called for changes to the Senate's filibuster rule to pass voting rights bills, including making Election Day a national holiday to increase voter turnout. * The Freedom to Vote Act: The Freedom to Vote Act, currently being debated in Congress, seeks to expand voting access and make it a federal crime to prevent people from registering to vote or casting their ballots.