Electronic surveillance minimization procedures refer to specific protocols established to limit the collection, retention, and sharing of private information about unconsenting individuals in the United States during electronic surveillance operations. These procedures aim to balance the need for national security and intelligence gathering with the protection of individual privacy rights.
This term is primarily used in the context of national security and intelligence operations, particularly under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). It is relevant in areas such as:
Users may find templates and forms related to electronic surveillance procedures through platforms like US Legal Forms, which can help in understanding and managing these legal processes.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: If a law enforcement agency conducts surveillance on a foreign suspect and inadvertently collects information about a U.S. citizen, the agency must follow minimization procedures to ensure that the citizen's information is not retained or shared without consent.
Example 2: A national security agency gathers data from electronic communications and must delete any non-relevant information about U.S. persons within 72 hours unless it is deemed necessary for understanding the intelligence or poses a threat to life (hypothetical example).
The primary legal framework governing electronic surveillance minimization procedures is the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically:
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Wiretap | Intercepting telephone communications. | Wiretaps are specific to phone communications, while electronic surveillance encompasses broader methods. |
| Surveillance | Monitoring of behavior or activities. | Surveillance can be general and does not always involve electronic means, whereas electronic surveillance specifically refers to technology-based monitoring. |
If you believe that electronic surveillance minimization procedures affect you, consider the following steps:
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They are protocols designed to limit the collection and sharing of private information about U.S. persons during surveillance activities.