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Glossary
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Section 702

Section 702 is a provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that allows the U.S. government to collect information on non-U.S. persons located outside of the United States for foreign intelligence purposes.

Example #1

Imagine the U.S. government monitoring the emails and online activities of a foreign diplomat to gather intelligence on potential threats to national security.

Misuse

Misuse of Section 702 can occur when the government collects and stores data on individuals not involved in any criminal activities or threats to national security, potentially leading to privacy violations and the erosion of civil liberties. It is crucial to protect against misuse of Section 702 to ensure that individuals' rights to privacy are safeguarded.

Benefits

The benefit of Section 702 is that it allows intelligence agencies to gather valuable information to prevent terrorist activities and protect national security. For example, intercepting communications between foreign terrorist groups can help prevent potential attacks on U.S. soil.

Conclusion

Section 702 is a controversial provision that raises concerns about privacy rights and government surveillance practices. While it can be a powerful tool for national security, it is essential to strike a balance between security measures and protecting individuals' privacy.

Related Terms

Privacy Rights

Last Modified: 4/30/2024
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