FISA 702 Expires, Revealing 'Going Dark' Claims as Political Theater

Congress's failure to reauthorize Section 702 exposes a critical gap in surveillance oversight—officials' warnings about 'going dark' are misleading, as existing legal frameworks ensure operations continue uninterrupted. This unexpected legislative stalemate creates a rare opportunity for Congress to negotiate meaningful reforms, including warrant requirements for querying US person data and restrictions on intelligence agencies purchasing private information. The outcome will determine whether American surveillance practices face genuine democratic accountability.