The FISA Amendments Act of 2008 granted the government the right to order communication providers to give the government content on foreigners with a broad, non-particularized court order.
This is what PRISM is. The order requires companies to provide assistance and facilities.
A traditional FISA warrant names a citizen or foreigner specifically. A warrant is always needed for this kind of surveillance, but the target is rarely, if ever, told (unlike with a criminal wiretap).
In short, the 2008 Amendment allows the NSA to order companies to help with bulk collection. It's section 702.
The FISA Amendments Act of 2008 granted the government the right to order communication providers to give the government content on foreigners with a broad, non-particularized court order.
This is what PRISM is. The order requires companies to provide assistance and facilities.
A traditional FISA warrant names a citizen or foreigner specifically. A warrant is always needed for this kind of surveillance, but the target is rarely, if ever, told (unlike with a criminal wiretap).
In short, the 2008 Amendment allows the NSA to order companies to help with bulk collection. It's section 702.