Congress To Debate New Data Collection Tactics

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee is set to debate whether or not the National Security Agency should be able to continue collecting phone and email records from Americans on a large scale, a practice that has been widely criticized by privacy groups. In May, the legislation allowing for bulk collection is set to expire and would be replaced by a new system that would only allow government officials to collect the personal data of specific individuals. Public Disapproval Back in 2013, NSA contractor Edward Snowden revealed the extent of the government's data collection, creating a public backlash both domestically and abroad. Now, Congress will be tasked with reforming the practice while still protecting the US against a threats. The Need For Data Collection Many Republicans believe the NSA shouldn't be stripped of power as more and more radical groups turn to social media and the internet to radicalize citizens. On Tuesday, CIA Director John Brennan remarked that the US desperately needs to improve the technology it uses to counter threats as groups like ISIS continue to grow their networks. Brennan also called for more public education regarding the government's metadata collection, saying that the information gathered is crucial to protecting the nation and can be done in a way that doesn't infringe on civil liberties. White House Calls For Reform Meanwhile, the White House has said it is in support of doing away with bulk data collection and replacing it with the more tailored approach outlined in the new proposal. Not only would the NSA be required to single out particular people or businesses for data collection, but the agency would also need to gain approval for the practice within a secret court.