Tech Coalition Calls for Protections for Users, Transparency, and Continued 702 Oversight

WASHINGTON – February 15, 2017 – Today, BSA | The Software Alliance sent a letter to the Senate and House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees urging them to work together to provide for an open debate around the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The letter was cosigned by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the Internet Association (IA), and TechNet. Section 702 outlines provisions that allow US surveillance of foreign targets located abroad and is due to expire at the end of 2017. The letter argues for a balanced approach and that any reauthorization should include meaningful safeguards for Internet users’ privacy and civil liberties, measures to ensure transparency and accountability, and a commitment to continued Congressional oversight. An open debate, the letter continues, will allow the Section to build on recent Congressional efforts and will help boost public trust in intelligence gathering efforts. The tech industry looks forward to working with Congress to ensure a successful review of Section 702.