Quote Originally Posted by norkali
Technically, yes, this is a conspiracy. Unwarranted surveillance of American citizens is definitely 'unlawful' under the Constitution. I'm sure this plan was talked about in secret before it was brought to public attention. So yes, it was a conspiracy.
You mean they don't hold those national security meetings in public any more...? Those bastards.

Ok...you convinced me. I'm wrong, you are right.

Then again, maybe not.

Summary from CNet news...
It also says, as George Washington University law professor Orin Kerr notes, that 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants are not needed for Internet or telephone "surveillance directed at a person reasonably believed to be located outside of the United States." What that means is that the National Security Agency can plug into a switch inside the United States (when monitoring someone outside the country) without seeking a court order in advance.

The link for more:
FAQ: How far does the new wiretap law go? | CNET News.com