NSA Legal Framework & Compliance Flashcards
6 cards from real NSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 NSA Legal Framework & Compliance flashcards as text
What was the significance of the Church Committee (1975–1976) for NSA oversight?
Answer: It exposed NSA domestic surveillance abuses and directly led to passage of FISA and major intelligence oversight reforms
The Church Committee, a Senate select committee, exposed NSA abuses including Project SHAMROCK and MINARET, directly leading to passage of FISA in 1978 and creation of permanent intelligence oversight committees.
What does 'incidental collection' mean in NSA surveillance law?
Answer: Collection of U.S. person communications that occurs when they communicate with a lawfully targeted foreign intelligence subject
Incidental collection refers to the acquisition of communications involving U.S. persons that occurs when those persons communicate with foreign nationals who are lawfully targeted for intelligence collection.
What is the distinction between Title III surveillance and FISA surveillance?
Answer: Title III governs electronic surveillance for criminal investigations while FISA governs foreign intelligence collection
Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act governs wiretapping for criminal investigations, while FISA governs electronic surveillance specifically for foreign intelligence purposes.
Which law requires federal agencies, including the NSA, to protect personally identifiable information (PII)?
Answer: The Privacy Act of 1974
The Privacy Act of 1974 requires federal agencies to protect personally identifiable information maintained in their systems of records and grants individuals certain rights regarding their own government records.
What was the National Security Act of 1947's relevance to the eventual creation of the NSA?
Answer: It established the unified national security framework including the CIA and NSC, laying the groundwork for the NSA's creation by presidential directive in 1952
The National Security Act of 1947 created the unified national security structure including the CIA, NSC, and unified military command, providing the institutional foundation upon which the NSA was established by President Truman's classified directive in 1952.
What is the purpose of the NSA's internal compliance program?
Answer: To ensure all NSA intelligence activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders governing collection authorities
The NSA's compliance program ensures that all intelligence collection and analysis activities adhere to applicable laws, FISA Court orders, executive orders, and regulations, protecting civil liberties while enabling the intelligence mission.