The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is a United States law that governs the surveillance of foreign intelligence activities. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /fɔrɪɡn ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns sərˈveɪləns θˌæk(t)/. The word "foreign" is spelled with a schwa sound in the first syllable, whereas "intelligence" is spelled with a stress on the second syllable, followed by a schwa sound. "Surveillance" is spelled with a stress on the second syllable, while "act" is spelled with stress on the first syllable. FISA plays a significant role in balancing national security interests with the protection of civil liberties.
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is a United States federal law that governs the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information derived from foreign surveillance activities. Enacted in 1978, FISA was created to establish legal procedures for conducting surveillance and obtaining intelligence related to foreign powers or agents of foreign powers within the United States.
FISA includes provisions that enable the government to seek warrants from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) for electronic surveillance, physical searches, and the acquisition of business records when specifically targeting foreign intelligence. It serves as a crucial tool for the intelligence community to gather information on potential threats and protect national security, while also ensuring the protection of civil liberties by requiring court approval for certain surveillance activities.
The Act provides guidelines and limitations on how surveillance activities should be conducted, primarily focusing on targeting non-U.S. persons outside of the country or those engaged in activities that could pose a threat to national security. FISA also establishes procedures for the use of collected intelligence, including its sharing with other government agencies.
Throughout its existence, FISA has been subject to debates and amendments to address evolving threats and balance national security needs with privacy concerns. Controversies surrounding the Act have centered on issues such as appropriate oversight, transparency, and compliance with constitutional rights. Nonetheless, it remains a significant legal framework for foreign intelligence collection and serves as an essential tool in the fight against terrorism and other national security threats.