Senate passes reauthorization of key US surveillance program after midnight deadline

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The Senate has voted to reauthorize a key US surveillance law known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The legislation, approved with bipartisan support, extends the program for two years and now awaits President Joe Biden's signature. The surveillance tool, first authorized in 2008, allows the US government to collect the communications of non-Americans located outside the country without a warrant for the purpose of gathering foreign intelligence. The reauthorization faced opposition from privacy advocates and national security hawks, but proponents argue that the program is crucial in disrupting terror attacks and foreign espionage. The Biden administration had expected the program's authority to remain operational for at least another year, but officials stressed the importance of congressional authorization to prevent communications companies from ceasing cooperation. The reauthorization includes reforms to protect Americans' privacy and civil liberties.

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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/senate-passes-reauthorization-key-us-044701884.html