On November 9, 2015, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction ordering the National Security Agency to stop its bulk telephony metadata program.
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National Security Agency
Second Circuit Rules that NSA Phone Data Collection Not Authorized by PATRIOT Act
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Posted in U.S. Federal Law
On May 7, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of telephone data is not authorized by the PATRIOT Act. …
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House of Representatives Passes Two Cybersecurity Bills
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The House of Representatives closes “Cyber Week” by passing two complimentary bills related to cybersecurity, the “Protecting Cyber Networks Act” (H.R. 1560) and the “National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015” (H.R. 1731). …
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In a Surprising Move, Congress Passes Four Cybersecurity Bills
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Posted in Cybersecurity, U.S. Federal Law
In a flurry of activity on cybersecurity, the U.S. Congress unexpectedly approved four cybersecurity bills that clarify the role of the Department of Homeland Security in private-sector information sharing, codify the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s cybersecurity framework, reform oversight of federal information systems, and enhance the cybersecurity workforce. …
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PCLOB Report Concludes NSA’s Non-U.S. Surveillance Program Is Lawful
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On July 2, 2014, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board held a public meeting to finalize the release of a report on surveillance implemented under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The report concludes that the National Security Agency’s collection of electronic communications from targets reasonably believed to be non-U.S. persons located outside the United States has operated lawfully within its statutory limitations.
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House Passes Bill Limiting NSA Data Collection
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Posted in Cybersecurity, U.S. Federal Law
On May 22, 2014, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 3361, a bill aimed at limiting the federal government’s ability to collect bulk phone records and increasing transparency regarding decisions by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
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NSA Appoints Chief Privacy Officer
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Posted in Cybersecurity, U.S. Federal Law
On January 29, 2014, the National Security Agency announced that Rebecca Richards has been appointed to serve as the NSA’s new Civil Liberties and Privacy Officer.
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Commissioner Reding Calls for New European Data Protection Compact
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Posted in European Union, International
On January 28, 2014, Data Protection Day, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding gave a speech in Brussels proposing a new data protection compact for Europe. She focused on three key themes: (1) the need to rebuild trust in data processing, (2) the current state of data protection in the EU, and (3) a new data protection compact for Europe.
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PCLOB Report Concludes NSA’s Bulk Collection of Customer Phone Records Is Unlawful
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On January 23, 2014, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board released a report concluding that the National Security Agency does not have a valid legal basis for its bulk telephone records collection program.
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President Obama Calls for Major Changes in National Security Surveillance Programs
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Posted in Cybersecurity, Information Security
On January 17, 2014, President Obama delivered a major speech addressing reforms to government intelligence-gathering and surveillance activities. The President discussed the need to advance national security while strengthening protections for privacy and civil liberties, improving transparency in intelligence programs, engaging in continual oversight, and rebuilding trust among foreign leaders and citizens.
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