Biden signs bill extending a key US surveillance program after divisions nearly forced it to lapse

President Joe Biden signed legislation reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which permits the U.S. government to collect without a warrant the communications of non-Americans located outside the country to gather foreign intelligence. The reauthorization faced opposition from privacy advocates and national security hawks, but ultimately passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Despite concerns over potential civil liberty violations, U.S. officials argue that the program is crucial for protecting national security by disrupting terrorist attacks, cyber intrusions, and foreign espionage.