US Patriot Act data program ends -- for now

June 01, 2015 20:49

The US government on Monday found itself with fewer tools to investigate terrorism -- at least temporarily -- after the Senate let provisions of the Patriot Act expire Sunday night.

While officials warned of national security risks, it is clear that the lapse will not come close to debilitating counterterrorism efforts.

The Senate entered a debate period late Sunday on the Patriot Act that pushed beyond the midnight deadline, effectively ending three provisions of that law, including the National Security Agency's bulk data collection program.

The lapse was a huge victory for privacy hawks who have called for changes to that program and others under the Patriot Act since Edward Snowden first blew the lid off the NSA's domestic surveillance programs in 2013.

The National Security Agency officially shut down the bulk metadata collection program officially at 7.44 pm Sunday night, a senior government official told CNN.

Officials had previously indicated they would shut the program down around 8 p.m. to ensure all procedures were in place before midnight military time.

Read full story HERE.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Why didn't chowkidar...: Kharge on Modi's Adani-Ambani charge

Alleging that the BJP would end democracy if it was not voted out, Kharge said it was because of this democracy that a tea-seller's son could become the prime minister of India and he, the son of a labourer, could become the president of...

Another Indian arrested in Canada in Nijjar murder case

Amardeep Singh, 22, a resident of Brampton, Surrey, and Abbotsford areas of Canada, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Play-off berth sealed, KKR's winning mantra revealed!

The key to Kolkata Knight Riders success this season lies in their players' newfound ability to support each other through highs and lows, something that was "missing" over the past two years, feels the team's vice-captain Nitish Rana.

Ananya, Suhana, AbRam Cheer KKR!

Co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was not present at the Eden Gardens but his kids Suhana and AbRam cheered for the Knights from the stands.

'Mummy Was Truly Our Universe'

To share your Mother's Day story with us, please mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Mother's Day) along with your name, the place where you live, your mother's name and picture and your message about your mom.