Law Commons^™

Leashing The Internet Watchdog: Legislative Restraints On Electronic Surveillance In The U.S. And U.K., John P. Heekin

John P. Heekin

This article examines the legislative approaches undertaken by the United States and the United Kingdom to regulate the surveillance and interception of electronic communications. Drawing from the recognition of individual privacy in each country, the author explores the development and impact of statutory provisions enacted to accomplish effective oversight of the respective intelligence services. In the U.S., the shifting purposes and provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 are tracked from implementation to its revisions following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Along that timeline, a distinct trend toward greater deference to Executive authority for electronic surveillance …