USA FREEDOM Act Summary
Amendments to U.S. Government Surveillance Authorities
The following summarizes the USA FREEDOM ACT, signed into law by President Barack Obama on June 2, 2015, as P.L. 114-23. ■ Protects Civil Liberties Ends Bulk Collection. Prohibits bulk collection of ALL records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) pen register authority, and national security letter statutes. Prevents Government Overreach. The bulk collection prohibition is strengthened by prohibiting large-scale, indiscriminate collection, such as all records from an entire state, city, or zip code. Allows Challenges of National Security Letter (NSL) Gag Orders. NSL nondisclosure orders must be based upon a danger…
