Laura Donahue Discusses the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)

Laura Donahue, Georgetown Law Professor and EPIC Advisor, participated in a panel discussion hosted by the American Bar Association on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The act, adopted in 1978, establishes procedures for requesting judicial authorization for electronic surveillance and physical search of persons engaged in espionage against the United States by foreign powers.

EPIC’s FOIA work and research unearthed that NSA acquired more than 250 million internet communications per year and more than 50,000 each year contain domestic communications. Prof. Donahue during the discussion underscored the importance of closely evaluating FISA applications. Moreover, collection and retention – even queries regarding U.S. persons, should all be properly supported with probable cause.

Watch the discussion below. For more information on Professor Donahue and FISA, visit www.epic.org. Defend Privacy. Support EPIC.