FBI Searches of Americans’ Section 702 Data Rose 35% in 2025
Summary
A senior FBI official’s letter says searches of Section 702 data involving Americans rose 35% to 7,413 in 2025. The share returning 702-acquired information fell to 28% as the law’s April 20 expiration approaches.
Key points
- A senior FBI official reported 7,413 U.S. person queries of Section 702 data from December 2024 to November 2025, up from 5,518 the prior year.
- The letter did not explain the increase, and an FBI spokesperson declined to comment.
- Section 702 authorizes collection of certain foreign intelligence communications and can also capture Americans’ data, which may be searched without a warrant.
- The share of queries returning 702-acquired information fell from 38% in 2024 to 28% in 2025.
- The law is set to expire April 20; the White House is seeking an 18-month extension.
- Civil-liberties groups and some lawmakers oppose renewal without additional privacy safeguards.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Reported increase in FBI searches of Americans’ data collected under Section 702.
- Impact
- The searches rose about 35% to 7,413 in 2025 from 5,518 the previous year, while the share returning Section 702-acquired information fell from 38% to 28%. The figures renewed debate over warrantless queries and privacy safeguards as lawmakers considered extending the authority.
People
Donald TrumpThe article reports that he told congressional allies he wanted an 18-month extension of Section 702.John RatcliffeAs CIA Director, he met with Senate Republicans to argue for an extension of Section 702.Kash PatelAs FBI Director, he met with Senate Republicans to argue for an extension of Section 702.Mike JohnsonAs House Speaker, he said he would attempt to pass a Section 702 renewal before its sunset date.Stephen MillerThe article identifies him as a supporter of warrantless surveillance; advocacy groups cited that support in opposing renewal without new privacy safeguards.Ted GrovesAs acting assistant director of the FBI’s Office of Congressional Affairs, he wrote the letter disclosing the search figures.