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USA FREEDOM Act: Protecting Privacy in the Digital Age
Striking a Balance between National Security and Civil Liberties
The USA FREEDOM Act, signed into law in 2015, marked a significant shift in the balance between national security and civil liberties in the digital age. The act was crafted as a response to the revelations of mass surveillance programs under the Patriot Act and aimed to address concerns about government overreach.
Key Provisions of the Act
The USA FREEDOM Act introduced several key provisions designed to enhance privacy protection:
- Restrictions on Bulk Data Collection: The act prohibited the government from engaging in bulk collection of phone records without a specific connection to a terrorism investigation.
- Transparency and Oversight: The act established the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) to provide independent oversight of government surveillance programs.
- Government Accountability: The act created a process for individuals to file lawsuits against the government for violations of their privacy rights.
Impact and Significance
The USA FREEDOM Act has had a significant impact on government surveillance practices and privacy protection. By restricting the government's ability to collect bulk data, the act has helped to safeguard individual privacy.
The establishment of the PCLOB has provided an independent voice to review government surveillance programs and ensure compliance with the law. The act's accountability measures have also empowered individuals to hold the government accountable for privacy violations.
The USA FREEDOM Act remains a vital safeguard for civil liberties in the digital age. It represents a delicate balance between the need for national security and the protection of individual privacy, ensuring that the government's surveillance powers are used responsibly and in accordance with the law.
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