CEO DATELINE - Associations applaud passage of surveillance reform
CEO DATELINE - Associations applaud passage of surveillance reform
- June 3, 2015 |
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Walt Williams
USA Freedom Act would end bulk collection of data
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The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to end the bulk collection of telephone records and Internet data by the federal government, a move widely praised by the association community.
The USA Freedom Act rolls back provisions in the Patriot Act granting the government wide-ranging surveillance powers. Many associations—particularly those representing the tech sector—said those new powers were bad for business as they led to distrust of whether the data U.S. companies collected was secure.
"Ending overly broad data collection and increased transparency are critically important steps in restoring trust in the U.S. surveillance program," said Victoria Espinel, CEO of BSA | The Software Alliance. "Just as importantly, though, the bill ensures the continued availability of other important national security authorities."
"Meaningful surveillance reform has been a top priority for the technology sector," said Dean Garfield, CEO of the Information Technology Information Council. He added the legislation "effectively ends indiscriminate bulk collection of data and brings needed transparency to the process by allowing tech companies to report information about the government orders they receive for access to data. This bill is a critical step in restoring America's reputation as the leader in protecting the privacy and security of user data."
Ed Black, CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, sounded a note of caution, saying the USA FREEDOM Act was just the first in a series of surveillance program reforms needed to restore trust.
"While it is inherently tempting for governments to want to use technology to gather all information possible, those who wish to live in a free society must not allow that to become the default policy," he said. "Today's vote is a tangible victory for citizens around the world, and a step toward restoring trust in the U.S. government and the ability of lawmakers to do what is right in the face of tremendous political pressure."
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