Democracy Dies in Darkness

U.S. officials scramble to stop major Internet firms from ditching FISA obligations

As Congress moves to vote on the reauthorization of controversial federal surveillance powers, two major U.S. communications providers said they would stop complying with orders set to expire at midnight, according to people familiar with the matter

By Ellen Nakashima

and

Shane Harris

April 19, 2024 at 9:22 p.m. EDT

Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for national security, speaks during a news conference in January 2023, with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland at left. Biden administration officials have urged Congress to renew a surveillance program that the U.S. government has long seen as vital in countering overseas terrorism, cyberattacks and espionage operations. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

4 min

U.S. government officials were scrambling Friday night to prevent what they fear could be a significant loss of access to critical national security information, after two major U.S. communications providers said they would stop complying with orders under a controversial surveillance law that is set to expire at midnight, according to five people familiar with the matter.