Stalking refers to the act of intentionally and repeatedly harassing or threatening an individual over a specific period of time. Previously, such an illegal act was conducted directly in person. However, the wide availability of Internet access has caused it to shift from being a direct act to one which is now primarily online-based.

Online stalking also known as cyber stalking is facilitated through electronic means of communication such as email, social networking sites, discussion forums, instant messenger, online dating sites and text messaging. Continue reading →

In 1978, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, FISA was signed into law. However since the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2011, it has been repeatedly amended.

This law governs the statutory procedure for the requisition of judicial authorization for physical searches and electronic surveillance of persons who are deemed to be engaged in espionage or international terrorism, on behalf of a foreign power or agent of a foreign power within its borders. In other words, the Intelligence Surveillance Act provides direction for seeking authorization to carry out federal collection (electronic observation or physical searches) for foreign intelligence information. Foreign intelligence information refers to any information deemed necessary to protect the United States from sabotage, an actual or potential grave attack or international terrorism. Continue reading →

It is not recently that governmental agencies are collecting information on the public. It is possible that details of every citizen’s life, from birth to death, are recorded in some government file. However, members of the public entertained the belief that they were able to enjoy a certain level of privacy. The controversial NSA spying has however, removed that belief, as both phone and Internet communications can be accessed by the government.

This power to spy on the public is given to certain agencies, specifically the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. However, a warrant is needed and it is only to be given in cases where the nation’s security is an issue. Continue reading →

The USA has been subjected over the years to terrorist threats, most recently the well-known September 11 attack. As a result, it is somewhat understandable why the government has put in place stringent measures to secure its borders. These measures include surveillance of those within its borders and outside, to some extent.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA Court) authorizes warrant requests for surveillance of intelligence agencies within the U.S. that originate in foreign countries. These agencies may be suspected of something untoward. Continue reading →