Title: What is USA Patriot Act? - Definition from WhatIs.com
Headings: USA Patriot Act
USA Patriot Act
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Content: What is USA Patriot Act? - Definition from WhatIs.com
Definition
USA Patriot Act
By
Jacqueline Biscobing, Senior Managing Editor, News
The USA Patriot Act is an antiterrorism law enacted by the U.S. Congress in October 2001, at the request of then-President George W. Bush in response to the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, in New York and Washington, D.C. Often referred to simply as the Patriot Act, it was signed by Bush on October 26, 2001. The law gave new powers to the U.S. Department of Justice ( DOJ ), the National Security Agency ( NSA) and other federal agencies on domestic and international surveillance of electronic communications; it also removed legal barriers that had blocked law enforcement, intelligence and defense agencies from sharing information about potential terrorist threats and coordinating efforts to respond to them. But the Patriot Act raised concerns among civil liberties groups and other critics surrounding the data privacy rights of U.S. citizens -- concerns that were heightened significantly in 2013, when NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked information showing that the agency was using the law to justify the bulk collection of data about millions of phone calls. Officially known as the Uniting and Strengthening America Act by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 -- or "USA Patriot Act" -- the law is intended to help government agencies detect and prevent possible acts of terrorism, or sponsorship of terrorist groups. The act comprises 10 categories, called "titles," including: Title I: Enhancing domestic security against terrorism
Title II: Enhanced surveillance procedures
Title III: