domestic surveillance

House passes reauthorization of key U.S. surveillance program after days of upheaval over changes

By Farnoush Amiri, Eric Tucker, Associated Press

Former contractor of U.S. National Security Agency Edward Snowden is seen on a screen during his interview presented via video link at the New Knowledge educational online forum in Moscow, Russia September 2, 2021. Photo by Olesya Astakhova/REUTERS

Russian news agencies say Edward Snowden receives passport, takes citizenship oath

Russian news agencies say former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, who fled prosecution after revealing highly classified surveillance programs, has received a Russian passport and taken the citizenship oath.

By Associated Press

FILE PHOTO: IPhone 12 phones are seen at the new Apple Store on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles

Apple to scan U.S. iPhones for images of child abuse

Apple is planning to scan U.S. iPhones for images of child abuse, drawing applause from child protection groups but raising concern among some security researchers that the system could be used to surveil citizens.

By Barbara Ortutay, Frank Bajak, Associated Press

States push back against use of facial recognition by police

At least seven states already have enacted restrictions limiting government use of the technology and about 20 states are debating additional bills. States want to know how and why the technology is being used.

By Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press

Officials report a steep drop in national security surveillance during pandemic

Officials who briefed reporters said the restrictions enacted around the world on movement and large gatherings may have decreased the number of potential people or groups to surveil.

By Nomaan Merchant, Eric Tucker, Associated Press

Pentagon says use of surveillance planes in protests was legal

By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press

The investigation by the Air Force inspector general found that the planes were used to gather information about crowd size, crowd flows and fires but they did not monitor individuals.

Trump opposition throws surveillance legislation in doubt

By Eric Tucker, Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

Legislation to extend surveillance authorities that the FBI sees as vital in fighting terrorism was thrown into doubt Wednesday as President Donald Trump threatened a veto and congressional Republicans and top liberal Democrats said they opposed the bill.

U.S. plan to use fake social media profiles for surveillance is against Facebook rules

By Tami Abdollah, Associated Press

"Law enforcement authorities, like everyone else, are required to use their real names on Facebook and we make this policy clear," Facebook spokeswoman Sarah Pollack told The Associated Press in a statement Tuesday.