NSA nominee backs Section 702 amid renewal, privacy concerns

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Deputy Chief Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, who has been nominated to lead both the National Security Agency and the Cyber Command, has touted the benefits of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ahead of the surveillance measure's imminent expiration, reports The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.

Such a law, which allowed intelligence agencies to obtain communications held by U.S. technology companies when pursuing national security targets overseas and the warrantless collection of Americans' communications, has been crucial to mission outcomes and saved lives, said Rudd before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Senators questioned Rudd on privacy concerns, including whether warrant requirements should apply to searches of the 702 database outside emergencies, and he said he would need additional review before offering a full answer. He also expressed confidence in the National Security Agency's handling of civil liberties.

Rudd's position diverges from past criticism by President Donald Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. While Congress narrowly renewed the authority in 2024, no legislation has been introduced ahead of the April 19 expiration. Rudd's nomination advanced after the hearing, with further Senate action expected.