Senator’s investigation of wireless surveillance by law enforcement revealed more than one million requests in 2012

Washington (January 17, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the Bi-partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus, released the following statement after President Obama announced changes to the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance practices.

“America must always find a balance between security and liberty, but the trove of information from NSA ‘data-tapping’ programs, most of it on innocent Americans, is ripe for future abuse. We cannot invade the privacy of the innocent as we look for the guilty. As Americans increasingly connect with one another through a multitude of technologies and devices and services, the government should not be siphoning up more information about the innocent.

“I am pleased that President Obama is taking initial steps to curtail intrusive surveillance programs, including the creation of a panel of advocates that will restore balance at the FISA court - but there is much more to be done to ensure the privacy of Americans remains a fundamental right. The government should not require private companies to store consumer information beyond what is necessary for their business purposes, and I will be introducing legislation that calls on the Federal Communications Commission to develop rules of the road for data retention.

“Security is essential to a functioning democracy, but privacy is the cornerstone of freedom. I will continue to work to strike the balance between liberty and security as we move forward.” 

For the past two years, Senator Markey’s investigation revealed expanded use of wireless surveillance of Americans, including more than one million requests for the personal mobile phone data of Americans in 2012 by law enforcement. Senator Markey began his investigation last year, revealing 1.3 million requests in 2011 for wireless data by federal, state, and local law enforcement. The Senator soon will introduce legislation to require regular disclosures from law enforcement on the nature and volume of requests, curb bulk data requests, require warrants for geolocation information requests, as well as other protections for wireless phone information.

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