The National Security Agency’s telephony metadata collection program...

The National Security Agency’s telephony metadata collection program was reauthorized for 90 days until Sept. 12, said a joint statement Friday from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice (http://1.usa.gov/1nyqrp8). The program’s extension, granted by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, was requested because “legislation has not yet been enacted, and given the importance of maintaining the capabilities of the [Patriot Act] Section 215 telephony metadata program,” said the statement. Privacy advocates and lawmakers had urged the Obama administration last week to cancel the program before congressional action (CD June 23 p14; June 18 p17). In a January speech, President Barack Obama asked Congress to alter the Section 215 program by placing more restrictions on how data is collected, searched and stored (CD Jan 21 p1). The House passed the USA Freedom Act (HR-3361) in May (CD May 23 p9) -- which would implement some of Obama’s suggested changes to Section 215 -- but it has not passed the Senate. “We urge the Senate to swiftly consider it, and remain ready to work with Congress to clarify that the bill prohibits bulk collection as noted above, as necessary,” the statement said.