FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act)

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1978 that governs how the government conducts electronic surveillance and collects foreign intelligence. It allows intelligence agencies to monitor foreign nationals suspected of spying or terrorism while providing legal guidelines and protections for U.S. citizens' privacy. FISA established a special court, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), which reviews and approves requests for surveillance warrants to ensure they comply with the law. Overall, FISA aims to balance national security needs with the protection of individual rights.