01-18-2014, 07:46 PM
(01-18-2014, 02:28 AM)username Wrote: I honestly think it's the same program just couching it slightly differently. They said all along that they weren't monitoring "ordinary citizens"; there was tons of metadata and only if something suspicious came up would they pursue it further.
They're basically saying the same thing. We won't monitor ordinary citizens or our "friends" unless we think we need too.
I think you're right about the process, user. The data collection and storage processes will be handled as they always have been under the Patriot Act
There is zero indication that such data was ever accessed by NSA or other governmental officials for purposes other than anti-terrorism activities.
The only significant difference is that now governmental and LE officials will be required to get a court order to access the records of previously assumed "ordinary people/citizens" if they believe said persons might be involved in terrorist-related activities.