U.S. House votes to end NSA’s bulk collection of phone recordsMay 14, 2015 - 13:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to end the National Security Agency's bulk collection of Americans' phone records, BBC News reports. A 338-to-88 overwhelming vote in favor of the USA Freedom Act, already backed by the White House, means Senate backing would make it law. The bill would empower the agency to search data held by telephone companies on a case-by-case basis. Bulk collection was revealed in 2013 by ex-security contractor Edward Snowden. Supporters of the Freedom Act, including privacy and civil rights advocates, say it protects privacy while preserving national security powers. The bill, which only affects people within the U.S., would amend sections of the USA Patriot Act, which was passed after the 9/11 attacks and which will expire on June 1. The amendments would ban the agency's mass collection of telephone data - phone numbers, time and duration of calls - as well as emails and web addresses. "Americans' liberty and America's security can co-exist," said House Judiciary Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte, who voted in favor of the bill. "These fundamental concepts are not mutually exclusive." Earlier this month, a U.S. appeals court ruled that bulk collection of phone records by the National Security Agency was illegal. Photo: Riseearth Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |