PCLOB Public Hearing on Surveillance Programs

Regs.gov: Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

Published September 10th, 2013

Detected March 15th, 2026

Summary

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) is holding a public hearing on federal counterterrorism surveillance programs, including those under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and Section 702 of FISA. The hearing aims to address activities, responsibilities, and potential recommendations for changes to ensure a balance between counterterrorism efforts and privacy/civil liberties.

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What changed

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) has announced a public hearing to discuss federal counterterrorism surveillance programs, specifically those authorized under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The hearing will involve current and former government officials and aims to examine the activities and responsibilities of the executive and judicial branches concerning these programs. Recommendations for program changes and the operations of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will be considered to balance national security needs with privacy and civil liberties.

While this is a public hearing and not a rule-making action, the PCLOB's findings and recommendations could lead to future regulatory or legislative changes. Regulated entities, particularly government agencies involved in surveillance, should be aware of the discussions and potential outcomes. The PCLOB is accepting written comments on the matter until October 25, 2013. Interested parties should monitor the PCLOB's website for the full agenda and any further updates. The hearing itself is scheduled for October 4, 2013.

What to do next

Submit written comments regarding surveillance programs by October 25, 2013.
Monitor PCLOB.gov for the full hearing agenda.
Review PCLOB's recommendations following the hearing for potential future implications.

Source document (simplified)

Content

ACTION:

Notice of a hearing.

SUMMARY:

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) will conduct a public hearing with current and former government officials
and others to address the activities and responsibilities of the executive and judicial branches of the federal government
regarding the government's counterterrorism surveillance programs. This hearing will continue the PCLOB's study of the federal
government's surveillance programs operated pursuant to Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence
Surveillance Act. Recommendations for changes to these programs and the operations of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Court will be considered at the hearing to ensure that counterterrorism efforts properly balance the need to protect privacy
and civil liberties. Visit www.pclob.gov for the full agenda closer to the hearing date.

Comments

You may submit comments with the docket number PCLOB-2013-0005 by the following method:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the

     on-line instructions for submitting comments.

Written comments may be submitted at any time prior to the closing of the docket at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 25, 2013. All comments will be made publicly available and posted without change. Do not include personal or confidential information.

Addresses

Time and Date: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, October 4, 2013.

Place: Mayflower Renaissance Hotel Washington, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW., Washington DC 20036. Facility's location is near Farragut
North Metro station.

Contact Person for More Information: Susan Reingold, Chief Administrative Officer, 202-331-1986. For email inquiries, please email info@pclob.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Procedures for Public Participation

The hearing will be open to the public. Individuals who plan to attend and require special assistance, such as sign language
interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should contact Susan Reingold, Chief Administrative Officer, 202-331-1986,
at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date.

Dated: September 10, 2013. Diane Janosek, Chief Legal Officer, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. [FR Doc. 2013-22393 Filed 9-13-13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P