FISA, an acronym standing for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, is a United States federal law that was enacted in 1978. It sought to establish guidelines and procedures for the monitoring and collection of intelligence information on foreign entities and individuals within or outside the United States, with the ultimate goal of protecting national security.
Under FISA, a specialized court known as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) was created. This court is responsible for reviewing applications made by government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), seeking authorization to conduct electronic surveillance or physical searches in connection with national security investigations. The FISC ensures that the surveillance activities comply with constitutional rights and statutory requirements, including probable cause, to prevent unwarranted intrusion into individual privacy.
FISA strikes a balance between safeguarding national security interests and protecting civil liberties. It allows intelligence agencies to gather critical information about potential threats from foreign powers, terrorists, and other entities, while subjecting them to checks and balances to prevent abuse and unwarranted infringement on privacy. The law also established oversight mechanisms, requiring regular reporting to Congress and implementation of stringent inspection and auditing procedures.
FISA has undergone some amendments and revisions over the years, most notably with the introduction of the USA PATRIOT Act in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These changes expanded the scope of FISA to include a broader range of surveillance activities, targeting not only foreign entities but also individuals within the United States who may pose a national security threat.
Overall, FISA serves as a legislative framework for conducting surveillance to protect the United States from potential security risks while attempting to preserve individual rights and privacy.
