FBI reveals how controversial spy tool prevented terror plot as Congress debates overhaul

The FBI has disclosed that it utilized a controversial foreign surveillance tool to thwart a terrorist plot on U.S. soil last year, in an effort to influence Congress as lawmakers deliberate the overhaul of the measure.

Declassified instances

The intelligence agency shared three newly declassified instances with POLITICO, highlighting how its access to data collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act aided in protecting national security, including the foiling of a "potentially imminent terrorist attack" against critical U.S. infrastructure.

Scheduled Expiry

The House is expected to vote on a significant change to the foreign surveillance authority, requiring bureau analysts to obtain a warrant or court order before accessing a database of emails, texts, and other digital communications of foreigners for information on U.S. citizens. The proposal has garnered bipartisan support and the FBI is actively lobbying undecided lawmakers to support the measure.

Potential Consequences

The bureau emphasized the potential consequences of imposing a warrant requirement, stating that it could hinder its ability to proactively respond to threats.

Impact on national security

The FBI has faced compliance violations, including improper access to communications of Jan. 6 rioters, George Floyd protestors, and campaign donors. While internal reforms have reduced these issues, lawmakers have stressed the need for judicial oversight to safeguard privacy. The FBI and the Biden administration have argued that such restrictions could undermine a valuable intelligence tool. The FBI has been vocal about the limitations of proposed reforms, asserting that the success achieved in the disclosed cases could not have been replicated under the proposed changes.