INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
FBI Director Christopher Wray has called on Congress to renew a crucial law that enables the surveillance of foreigners outside the
U.S.Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) permits intelligence agencies to access communications of non-U.S
importance for national security.Section 702, expiring in December, is a pivotal tool for monitoring potential threats.Wray linked its
necessity to the heightened threat environment, referencing recent attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Israel.He warned that
losing this tool would significantly weaken U.S
The law has been instrumental in fighting terrorism, cybercrime, and drug trafficking.It has also played a crucial role in combating the
fentanyl crisis, which is mainly attributed to Mexican cartels using materials sourced from China.FBI Seeks Extension of International
(Photo Internet reproduction)However, the renewal of Section 702 faces opposition in Congress from both Democrats and Republicans.Concerns
center around the incidental collection of data from U.S
citizens and businesses.The opposition is particularly strong among some Republicans, who perceive the FBI as biased and politicized.Past
misuses of this surveillance toolEarlier this year, an independent panel under President Joe Biden acknowledged past misuses of this
surveillance tool.Despite these findings, the panel considered the law too important to be discarded.Civil liberties groups have called for
more stringent restrictions on its use
In response, Wray has implemented several reforms.These include improved training, heightened supervision, accountability measures, and the
establishment of an internal audit office.Wray argues that recent declassified reports refer to errors before these reforms
He assures that newer data reflects adherence to the updated measures.Recognizing the ongoing process, Wray commits to working with Congress
He aims to refine the law while safeguarding the privacy of innocent Americans.
