Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is a U.S. law that governs the collection of foreign intelligence through electronic surveillance and physical searches. Established in 1978, FISA allows government agencies to monitor foreign individuals who are suspected of espionage or terrorist activities while ensuring some protections for U.S. citizens. Surveillance operations typically require a warrant from a special court, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), which evaluates requests based on national security needs. FISA aims to balance national security interests with privacy rights, allowing intelligence agencies to act against threats while safeguarding individual liberties.