DOJ Supports Renewal of Patriot Act’s Personal Records Provisions
The U.S. Justice Department is supporting renewal of three Patriot Act provisions involving surveillance in terrorism investigations.
The provisions are set to expire at the end of December, the Washington Post reports. They allow roving wiretaps of suspects who change cell phone numbers, tracking of “lone wolves” who are not part of known terrorism groups, and seizing of personal records, according to the Post and ABC News.
The personal records provision was controversial because of fears that library and bookstore records could be seized. The provision requires approval of a special foreign intelligence court before the government seizes records. It has been used to obtain subscriber and communications information, and credit card and bank statements, ABC News says. It also allows access to medical and mental health records.
The Department’s views were summarized in a letter to lawmakers (PDF posted by ABC) released yesterday. The letter said President Obama is willing to consider additional privacy protections in a bill that renews the provisions.
