Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) is a U.S. federal court that oversees requests from government agencies for surveillance and data collection related to foreign intelligence. Established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in 1978, the court reviews requests to ensure they comply with legal standards, primarily focusing on national security issues. Its proceedings are typically classified, meaning the public doesn't see most of the information discussed. FISC plays a key role in balancing national security interests with individual privacy rights.