The FBI has been using its Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 powers to conduct warrantless searches on US persons more than 280,000 times in 2020 and 2021, according to new disclosures. These searches have been described as “shocking abuses” by US Senator Ron Wyden. Some of the most concerning searches include over 23,000 queries on people involved in storming the US Capitol, 19,000 on political campaign donors, and 133 on protesters after the killing of George Floyd. These revelations have sparked calls for a full overhaul of FISA Section 702 and stricter safeguards on privacy rights. Detailed in a recently unclassified court opinion, the FBI has implemented measures to address compliance issues and reduce warrantless searches. However, more reforms may be needed to ensure proper implementation. A bipartisan working group is currently reviewing FISA and proposing reforms to deter abusive behavior by the FBI. The group does not anticipate re-authorization of FISA Section 702 without more serious reforms in place. Controversially, the government has been able to prevent disclosure to defendants when FISA 702 is used and avoid litigating the issue in court. This lack of transparency has prompted calls for change.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/05/fbi-misused-foreign-surveillance-law-280k-times-to-snoop-on-people-in-the-us/