Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association joined other associations and tech industry advocates in a joint letter urging Senators to support and pass the USA Freedom Act.
In late July, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy introduced the USA Freedom Act, an improvement over the bill the House passed earlier in the summer. The Senate’s surveillance reform bill would more effectively ban bulk metadata collection, increase oversight of essential national security programs, and provide for improved transparency measures.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has been a voice against surveillance overreach for many years, most recently testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in December. The following may be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“The reforms in the USA Freedom Act send a clear signal to U.S. citizens and Internet users around the world that Congress is serious about reforming government surveillance with tools that allow the judiciary and public to better oversee narrowed programs. This legislation is a critical step toward restoring the public trust in both the tech sector and the US government. That trust is important for innovation and the continued success of the Internet and all it has to offer citizens and businesses around the world.”