Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 is a U.S. law that regulates how the government conducts surveillance and gathers intelligence on foreign powers and agents within the United States. It establishes procedures and a special court—the FISA Court—to approve warrants for spying activities, ensuring a balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights. FISA primarily aims to prevent terrorism and espionage by allowing covert electronic monitoring while providing oversight to prevent abuse. It also sets rules for data collection and mandates reporting to Congress on intelligence activities.