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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Eric Tucker

A key US government surveillance program is set to expire. A look at what that means

Congress Homeland Security - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A key surveillance tool seen as vital in preventing terror attacks and catching foreign spies is set to expire Friday after congressional efforts to temporarily extend it failed in bipartisan fashion.

It's a significant lapse for the program known as Section 702, and even as President Donald Trump nominates a new national intelligence director more palatable to both Republicans and Democrats than his initial pick, it’s unclear how soon lawmakers — set for recess — would be able to revive the spy program.

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