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Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Protecting the rights of overseas Americans

Today, the Senate passed the FISA Amendments Act of 2007.  Senator Wyden voted against the bill because of the provisions granting blanket immunity to telecom companies who participated in warrantless wiretapping programs. 

But Senator Wyden did manage to secure passage of his amendment to dramatically expand the privacy rights of overseas Americans.   The privacy protections extended to Americans inside the United States are now extended to all Americans, including those overseas.

The Oregonian quoted Senator Wyden: 

"In the digital age, an American’s relationship with his or her government should not depend on physical geography.  I think history will recognize this as an important achievement and a major step forward for privacy rights."

The amendment was co-sponsored by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

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