U.S. Lawmakers Introduce AI Surveillance Bill, Proposing to Mandate Judicial Warrants to Limit Federal Agency Data Access

Odaily Planet Daily reports that U.S. Representatives Thomas Massie and Lauren Boebert have jointly introduced the "Surveillance Accountability Act," which would require federal agencies to obtain a judicial warrant before using artificial intelligence for data analysis and surveillance. The bill aims to patch the "third-party doctrine" loophole, a legal framework stemming from a 1970s precedent that allows the U.S. government to access user data on third-party platforms like banks and telecommunications without a warrant. The sponsors argue that in the age of the internet and AI, this doctrine has been overextended, eroding citizens' privacy protections.

Additionally, the bill addresses biometric surveillance and automatic license plate recognition systems, emphasizing that large-scale data collection could construct "mosaic-like" personal profiles, thereby creating deeper privacy risks. The legislation would also grant individuals the right to sue the U.S. government for violations of the Fourth Amendment. According to reports, supporters state the proposal could help restore judicial oversight mechanisms; opponents argue that mandatory warrant requirements could impact law enforcement efficiency. Against the backdrop of increasingly powerful AI-driven surveillance capabilities, the legislative battle over privacy and security in the U.S. is further heating up. (Decrypt)