FISA, FBI, and Commercial Surveillance Accountability
Key Questions
Why did the Justice Department withdraw subpoenas against New York Times reporters?
The DOJ dropped the subpoenas after a judge criticized the government's sloppy legal work and failure to respect First Amendment protections for journalists covering Air Force One reporting. This follows similar withdrawals in cases involving The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
What is the status of the FISA 702 reauthorization?
The program expired on June 12 after the House rejected renewal, partly over the Pulte nomination dispute. Sen. Rand Paul has introduced legislation to eliminate secret FISA courts amid ongoing concerns.
How have FBI surveillance queries changed recently?
FBI queries under FISA 702 increased 34% to 7,400, targeting journalists, members of Congress, and BLM activists. Related developments include the upcoming Comey trial on July 15 and Director Patel's purges.
Section 702 has reportedly been expired since June 12 amid congressional conflict, while FBI queries reportedly rose 34% to about 7,400, including searches involving journalists, lawmakers, and protest movements. Cato FOIA litigation, Ring biometric litigation, Flock wrongful-arrest evidence, congressional scrutiny, and state and local fights over ALPR access and retention continue.