GNI calls for stronger safeguards in reauthorisation of US surveillance law

The Global Network Initiative (GNI) has called on the United States Congress to introduce stronger safeguards as part of the reauthorisation of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

Section 702 is a legal framework that allows US authorities to collect foreign intelligence by accessing communications involving non-US persons located abroad. The provision is due for renewal, and lawmakers are currently considering whether and how to extend it.

In its statement, GNI highlights concerns about the current structure of the law. These include the absence of a warrant requirement in certain cases, the scale of data collection and retention, and the expansion of entities that may be required to assist in surveillance activities.

The organisation notes that previous use of Section 702 has raised concerns about its impact on individuals such as journalists, protesters, and public officials. It calls for clearer legal limits, stronger judicial oversight, and protections against misuse.

GNI also emphasises that the implications of Section 702 extend beyond the United States. Because the law allows the collection of communications involving individuals outside the country, it can affect people globally, particularly where international companies are involved in data access.

The statement links these concerns to broader issues of digital governance and international human rights standards. It notes that surveillance practices may influence global norms, cross-border data frameworks, and trust in digital systems.

GNI argues that the reauthorisation process presents an opportunity to align national security measures with legal safeguards and international commitments, including those related to privacy and human rights.