US lawmakers approved a temporary extension of spying powers late Friday night. The vote keeps Section 702 active for several more months. This allows intelligence agencies to search citizen data without a court order.
Privacy advocates in Washington reacted with sharp concern. They worry the lack of new protections leaves Americans exposed. A deadline in April will force another fight over digital rights.
Senate leaders will revisit permanent authorization next session.
The temporary relief is brief
The measure avoids a massive legislative battle for now. Civil liberties groups are already preparing legal challenges. Federal agencies get a short reprieve but face growing pressure.
Marta Diaz, 34, a nurse at St Thomas' Hospital, watched the news on her break. She said the timing feels wrong for a public debate. "They should tell us before they extend powers," she said. "We are the ones they spy on."
Stakes remain high
The program collects massive amounts of data every day. Intelligence officials argue it stops foreign attacks. Privacy groups say it drags in innocent Americans.
No new safeguards appear in the extension. Lawyers for civil rights groups say this keeps an unconstitutional practice alive.
What happens next
Congress must vote again before April. The next decision could end the program or make it permanent.
The Senate will review the case again. Campaigners plan more appeals within the week.
