The FBI's most controversial surveillance tool, FISA Section 702, is up for reauthorization this year. Supporters of 702 argue that it is vital for national security and counterterrorism efforts, while critics warn that it allows for warrantless surveillance of Americans leading to potential violations of the Fourth Amendment. This week, host Elisa is joined by Liza Goitein, nationally-recognized expert on government surveillance and secrecy, to discuss the varying viewpoints on 702, its strength and weakness, and what reforms may be useful.

Elizabeth Goitein is Senior Director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty & National Security Program:

https://www.brennancenter.org/experts/elizabeth-goitein

References:

Goitein, Elizabeth."The Coming Fight Over American Surveillance." Foreign Affairs. June 6 2023:

www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/coming-fight-over-american-surveillance.

Goitein, Elizabeth. "The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part I: Backdoor Searches." Just Security, Feb 13 2023: www.justsecurity.org/85068/the-year-of-section-702-reform-part-i-backdoor-searches/.

Goitein, Elizabeth. "The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part II: Closing the Gaps and Completing the Modernization of FISA." Just Security, Apr 18 2023:

https://www.justsecurity.org/86011/the-year-of-section-702-reform-part-ii-closing-the-gaps-and-completing-the-modernization-of-fisa/

Goitein, Elizabeth. "The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part III: Why Congress Should Not Exempt Warrantless Foreign Intelligence Queries." Just Security, Jul 27 2023:

https://www.justsecurity.org/87390/the-year-of-section-702-reform-part-iii-why-congress-should-not-exempt-warrantless-foreign-intelligence-queries/

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 Resource Page:

https://www.fisa702resources.com

FISA Section 702 Overview:

https://www.dni.gov/files/icotr/Section702-Basics-Infographic.pdf

E.O. 12333:

https://dpcld.defense.gov/Portals/49/Documents/Civil/eo-12333-2008.pdf

Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986:

https://bja.ojp.gov/program/it/privacy-civil-liberties/authorities/statutes/1285

Join us for the 33rd Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law CLE Conference this November 16-17, held at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel:

https://web.cvent.com/event/7eb6b360-9f77-4555-844f-4fa28099f64a/summary