DNI denies NSA analysts can tap calls without a warrant [View all]

[ProSense]

DNI denies NSA analysts can tap calls without a warrant

By Meghashyam Mali

The intelligence community on Sunday rejected claims from National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden and reports suggesting that intelligence analysts were able to listen to domestic phone conversations without warrants.

“The statement that a single analyst can eavesdrop on domestic communications without proper legal authorization is incorrect and was not briefed to Congress,” said the office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a statement.

“Members have been briefed on the implementation of Section 702, that it targets foreigners located overseas for a valid foreign intelligence purpose, and that it cannot be used to target Americans anywhere in the world,” it added.

The statement came a day after a report by CNET which said that Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.) had said he was told in a classified briefing that NSA analysts were allowed to listen to domestic phone calls without a prior warrant.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/305859-dni-nsa-cant-tap-domestic-phone-calls-without-a-warrant