Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US) — Question 43

What was the original purpose of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act?

Answer options

• A. To further define what information can reasonably be under surveillance in public places under the USA PATRIOT Act, such as Internet access in public libraries.
• B. To further clarify a reasonable expectation of privacy stemming from the Katz v. United States decision.
• C. To further define a framework for authorizing wiretaps by the executive branch for national security purposes under Article II of the Constitution.
• D. To further clarify when a warrant is not required for a wiretap performed internally by the telephone company outside the suspect’s home, stemming from the Olmstead v. United States decision.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer, C, reflects the act's aim to set up a legal structure for the executive branch to conduct wiretaps for national security. Options A and B pertain to privacy and surveillance definitions not central to the act's original purpose, while D addresses internal company wiretaps, which is outside the main focus of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.