NSA bulk surveillance program ruled illegal by a Federal Court

[Gagaloo911 12,959]

A U.S. spying program that systematically collects millions of Americans' phone records is illegal, a federal appeals court ruled on Thursday, putting pressure on Congress to quickly decide whether to replace or end the controversial anti-terrorism surveillance.

Ruling on a program revealed by former government security contractor Edward Snowden, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said the Patriot Act did not authorize the National Security Agency to collect Americans' calling records in bulk.

The appeals court did not rule on whether the surveillance violated the U.S. Constitution.

It also declined to halt the program, noting that parts of the Patriot Act including Section 215 expire on June 1.

The 2nd Circuit is the first federal appeals court to rule on the NSA program's legality. Federal appeals courts in Washington, D.C. and California are also weighing the matter.

While the government could appeal Thursday's decision, it will likely wait for Congress.

The case is American Civil Liberties Union et al v. Clapper et al, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 14-42.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/07/us-usa-security-nsa-idUSKBN0NS1IN20150507

 

This did not end or pause the program, but at least is a step in the right direction.

 

And many presidential hopefuls and Congress people have signaled opposition to the NSA program as well as the Patriot Act which is awesome.

[Luiz 4,253]

i feel like theres gonna be a "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it" type of reaction from the government  

we need to revive the occupy protests but wtf would you occupy?  

[socotra 3,357]

As far as I can tell (correct me if I'm wrong), the federal courts generally seem to have their heads on and are the most reasonable branch of government in the United States at the moment.

I like them. 

[Woolfsmck 2,763]

Considering that the terrorist groups are using social media to recruit members, its a difficult needle to thread when it comes to personal liberties vs. the need to protect the country.

[Gagaloo911 12,959]

Considering that the terrorist groups are using social media to recruit members, its a difficult needle to thread when it comes to personal liberties vs. the need to protect the country.

​

“Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

― Benjamin Franklin

[RAMROD 117,543]

Good. 

Glad knowing nobody will eaves dropping when I do the zazazus with my BF again, cos that shiz awkward.