Uniting and Strengthening America: Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Monitoring
The USA Freedom Act: A Balanced Approach to Security and Privacy
Following a six-month transition period, the USA Freedom Act (USAFA) became effective on November 29, 2015, introducing a new approach to balancing national security and individual rights.
Section 215 of the Patriot Act
At the core of the USAFA is the reform of Section 215 of the Patriot Act, which previously authorized the National Security Agency (NSA) to collect bulk metadata on phone calls. Under the new law, the NSA is now required to obtain a court order to collect this information.
Other Key Provisions
In addition to reforming Section 215, the USAFA includes several other key provisions:
- Establishes new procedures for reviewing surveillance orders.
- Provides increased transparency about surveillance programs.
- Sets limits on the government's ability to detain suspected terrorists.
A Compromise for Both Security and Liberties
The USAFA represents a compromise between those who believe that strong surveillance is necessary for national security and those who value individual privacy. The law maintains the essential tools for combating terrorism while also implementing safeguards to protect civil liberties.
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Keywords: USA Freedom Act, Section 215, Patriot Act, National Security, Individual Privacy, Compromise
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