FISA SECTION 702 EXPIRES, BUT SPYING CONTINUES

The controversial provision, which allows the NSA to collect communications of non-U.S. persons abroad without individual warrants, technically sunsets today. However, the law's expiration does not halt ongoing surveillance. A certification issued under Section 702 will keep the program operational for another three years. This means the NSA can continue collecting vast amounts of digital communications without interruption. Section 702 has faced criticism from privacy advocates, civil liberties groups, and some lawmakers who argue it enables mass surveillance and risks sweeping up Americans' data incidentally. Supporters maintain it is essential for national security. The certification mechanism effectively extends the program's authority beyond tonight's deadline, allowing surveillance to continue while Congress debates whether to formally reauthorize, modify, or let the provision lapse entirely when the certification expires.