Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor turned whistleblower, has publicly urged President Joe Biden to veto the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after it was voted for by the Senate. Snowden argued that the act, which provides the legal framework for surveillance activities, infringes upon American rights to privacy.
FISA first came into effect in 1978, but its relevance has been hotly debated in recent years, especially considering the increase in digital surveillance. The act allows for collection of data on foreign powers but has been criticized for infringing upon the rights of US citizens.
Snowden himself is famously known for leaking highly classified information from the NSA in 2013 about global surveillance programs run by the NSA with the cooperation of telecommunication companies and European governments.
The White House is yet to comment on Snowden’s plea. The Biden administration can either choose to approve the renewal or veto it, which would send it back to the Senate for a further vote. The final decision is indeed consequential, as it will greatly impact surveillance practices in the U.S. and define a key element of Biden’s stance on privacy rights.
Edward Snowden calls on Biden to veto FISA renewal after Senate vote
Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor turned whistleblower, has publicly urged President Joe Biden to veto the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after it was voted for by the Senate. Snowden argued that the act, which provides the legal framework for surveillance activities, infringes upon American rights to privacy.
FISA first came into effect in 1978, but its relevance has been hotly debated in recent years, especially considering the increase in digital surveillance. The act allows for collection of data on foreign powers but has been criticized for infringing upon the rights of US citizens.
Snowden himself is famously known for leaking highly classified information from the NSA in 2013 about global surveillance programs run by the NSA with the cooperation of telecommunication companies and European governments.
The White House is yet to comment on Snowden’s plea. The Biden administration can either choose to approve the renewal or veto it, which would send it back to the Senate for a further vote. The final decision is indeed consequential, as it will greatly impact surveillance practices in the U.S. and define a key element of Biden’s stance on privacy rights.
