United States
US Congress returns to heated debate over surveillance laws

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FBI says no to cookies, Victor Raffour takes charge at Aleph, Poland tests new land drones

From SIGINT to GEOINT and OSINT, with a dose of cyber, every Thursday we report on events big and small that matter in the community of technical intelligence providers.

WashingtonAdvertising data excluded from FBI's OSINT

LyonVictor Raffour appointed director general at Aleph Networks

GliwicePolish special forces test RBL Defence Polska's land drones

Spotlight | United States
The US National Intelligence Council, part 2: a constantly evolving, tight-knit institution

The NIC is little known, even within the US intelligence community, but is responsible for producing the most authoritative analyses in Washington. The forum brings together experts from all the US agencies and can adapt to political decision-makers' needs.

United States
Intelligence community put to task over health security

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the intelligence community has had to beef up its capacity to face another such event with national security implications, health being far from its usual area of expertise. Its latest declassified reports highlight an increased risk of a major health crisis.

United States
Pentagon brushes off US agency warnings on intelligence oversight

The Government Accountability Office is urging the US defence department to have greater control over intelligence agencies' auditing mechanisms. The Pentagon has been slow to react despite the political and legislative implications of making these changes.

United States
Efforts to improve diversity and equality in intelligence community not paying off

Minorities and women are still under-represented in the US intelligence community, perpetuating its image as a closed administration, despite the priority given to diversification, seen as a gage of efficiency.

United States
Washington squares up to consequences of Israeli intelligence failures

The Hamas attack on 7 October and its repercussions will have a bearing on heated debate in the US about reauthorising interceptions, initially conceived as a weapon in the fight against terrorism.

United States
The conservative push against the surveillance law

The Project for Privacy and Surveillance Accountability, a nonpartisan group that tilts heavily to the right, is at the forefront of the conservative campaign to reform -- or kill -- Section 702 of FISA, which allows the government to collect communications between US citizens and targeted foreigners.

United States
Mexican cartels inadvertently come to aid of US Article 702 on interceptions

The fight against drug trafficking from Mexico, the object of growing attention in Washington, has become a priority for the US intelligence community, as well as providing an argument in favour of extending its powers to intercept US-foreign communications.

United States
Biden administration ratchets up efforts to win renewal of domestic interception law

Advocacy for Section 702 has included deployment of senior officials to press the case and creation of a congressional panel to sensitise lawmakers. The urgency stems from worries among supporters that they don't have the votes needed to win reauthorisation, especially from the Republican side.

United States
Biden administration's call to renew major intelligence law triggers congressional and lobbying battle

Intelligence and law enforcement heavyweights support the bid to extend Section 702, which opened the door to domestic surveillance without a warrant. GOP, Democrats, lobbyists and even intelligence employees appear divided on the matter. If not passed by the year's end, Section 702 will expire.