FBI misused surveillance powers more than 280k times in a year (theregister.com)

Article summary

The FBI misused its surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) over 278,000 times between 2020 and early 2021. This included warrantless searches on protesters, rioters, and donors to a Congressional campaign. The court opinion detailing these abuses has been made public, sparking concerns about government overreach and the need for reform. The law is set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress renews it.

Main themes

• FISA and surveillance powers
• government overreach and abuse of power
• democracy and the rule of law
• critical thinking and education
• election security
• national security vs. individual rights
• transparency and accountability

What commenters say

• The FBI's misuse of surveillance powers is a longstanding issue that requires congressional action to prevent further abuses.
• The government's actions are a threat to democracy and the rule of law, and the public needs to be more aware of these issues.
• The system is not perfect, but it is still democratic and reflects the will of the people, despite some flaws and abuses.
• The education system and media play a role in shaping public opinion and critical thinking, and there is room for improvement in these areas.
• The decentralized nature of the election system makes it more resilient to tampering, but it is not foolproof.
• The government's abuses of power are not new and have been ongoing for decades, with some arguing that the situation is hopeless.
• Some argue that the FBI and other agencies have too much power and need to be reined in, while others believe that they are necessary for national security.
• There is a need for greater transparency and accountability in government actions, particularly with regards to surveillance and law enforcement.