Congress Pushes for More Transparency in Controversial Hemisphere Surveillance Program

In an effort to protect civil liberties, members of Congress are speaking out against a secretive surveillance program called the Hemisphere program. This program, also known as Data Analytical Services, has been in operation for over a decade and is being criticized for its broad scope and potential violation of the privacy rights of American citizens.

The Hemisphere program grants federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies access to a vast amount of phone records. These records not only cover individuals suspected of criminal activity but also numerous Americans with no accusations against them. The massive amount of data collected—trillions of phone records each year—raises significant concerns about the balance between national security and individual privacy.

JUST IN: Congress DEMANDS ANSWERS from White House Regarding ‘Invasive’ Covert Surveillance Program ‘Hemisphere’ Allowing Police Access to Unwarranted American Phone Records Dating Back to 1987..

Congress is pressing the Biden administration for information regarding a… https://t.co/ZsnhCAKLHc pic.twitter.com/zsEIN9NBgx

— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) November 22, 2023

Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has called for full disclosure of documents related to Hemisphere by petitioning the Department of Justice. Wyden’s concerns arise from classified information he has seen, which he believes would cause public outrage if revealed. His actions highlight bipartisan concerns about the program’s legality and secrecy.

Republican Congressman Andy Biggs of Arizona has labeled the government’s actions as spying on its own people. He condemns the invasive nature of Hemisphere, which allows government agents to access Americans’ domestic communication records without warrants. Biggs’ criticism reflects a growing sentiment that the federal government has exceeded its authority and neglected the privacy rights outlined in the Constitution.

Congress demands answers from White House over ‘invasive’ surveillance program known as Hemisphere that has tracked TRILLIONS of phone records for Americans each year – even if they are not suspected of a crime https://t.co/qoJARrw4iB pic.twitter.com/5Xb0mGK6Dd

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 22, 2023

The Hemisphere Project involves a complex network of funding and partnerships, notably including the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and telecommunications giant AT&T. This arrangement has allowed the program to bypass standard privacy regulations, such as federal Privacy Impact Assessments, further concealing its operations from public scrutiny.

While the program’s stated purpose is to assist in the investigation of drug traffickers and other criminal enterprises, its use has been extensive. Cases ranging from jewelry store robberies to nuisance bomb threats have involved Hemisphere data, indicating a broad and potentially expansive use of this surveillance tool.

Congress is currently discussing the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s Section 702, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign nationals but often inadvertently captures American communications. It is crucial that this discussion includes a thorough examination of the Hemisphere program and its impact on civil liberties.

It is time for a comprehensive review of the Hemisphere program and similar surveillance initiatives. The American public deserves transparency and assurance that their rights are not being compromised in the name of security. As Congress demands answers, it is essential for the nation to engage in an open conversation about the intersection of privacy and safety in the digital age.