A coalition of nine tech groups – comprised of Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Aol, Evernote, Dropbox, Linkedin, and Twitter – under the banner Reform Government Surveillance, have petitioned the US Senate to adopt the USA Freedom Act, designed to restrict the NSA’s power to collect user data.
In an open letter to the Senate on their blog, Reform Government Surveillance had this to say about the USA Freedom Act: “The legislation prevents the bulk collection of Internet metadata under various authorities. The bill also allows for transparency about government demands for user information from technology companies and assures that the appropriate oversight and accountability mechanisms are in place.”
A statement from the White House affirms its strong support for the USA Freedom Act. The US Senate could vote on the bill later this week.
Source: TNW
