This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32856903

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US Senate blocks bill to end NSA phone data collection US Senate blocks bill to extend NSA phone data collection
(1 day later)
The US Senate has blocked a bill that would have ended the bulk collection of Americans' phone records by the National Security Agency (NSA). The US Senate has blocked a bill that would have extended the bulk collection of Americans' phone records by the National Security Agency (NSA).
It also failed to authorise a temporary extension of the current legislation. Senators are to meet again on 31 May - a day before the bill is due to expire. Senators are to discuss the issue again on 31 May - a day before existing legislation permitting surveillance is due to expire.
A US appeals court has already ruled the bulk collection illegal.A US appeals court has already ruled the bulk collection illegal.
The NSA's spying was leaked by Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who has since fled to Russia.The NSA's spying was leaked by Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who has since fled to Russia.
The NSA has collected data about numbers called and times, but not the content of conversations. It also allegedly spied on European firms.The NSA has collected data about numbers called and times, but not the content of conversations. It also allegedly spied on European firms.
Among individuals targeted was German Chancellor Angela Merkel.Among individuals targeted was German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The White House has pressed the Senate to back the a bill passed by the House of Representatives - the Freedom Act - which would end bulk collection of domestic phone records. These records would remain with telephone companies subject to a case-by-case review. The White House has pressed the Senate to back a bill passed by the House of Representatives which would end bulk collection of domestic phone records but allow the NSA to search records on a case-by-case basis.
The 57-42 Senate vote fell short of the 60-vote threshold. Supporters of the proposed USA Freedom Act, including privacy and civil rights advocates, say it protects privacy while preserving national security powers.
Another vote held over a two-month extension to the existing programmes - Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act - also failed to reach the threshold.
Supporters of the proposed Freedom Act, including privacy and civil rights advocates, say it protects privacy while preserving national security powers.
The Patriot Act was passed after the 9/11 attacks and which will expire on 1 June.
The Snowden revelations in June 2013 caused an international outcry, despite US administrations insisting the programme has been fully authorised.The Snowden revelations in June 2013 caused an international outcry, despite US administrations insisting the programme has been fully authorised.
The measures have been repeatedly approved in secret by a national security court since 2006.The measures have been repeatedly approved in secret by a national security court since 2006.
Bulk data collection rulingsBulk data collection rulings
US spy leaks: How intelligence is gatheredUS spy leaks: How intelligence is gathered
How vulnerable is the internet?How vulnerable is the internet?
US states take aim at NSA facilitiesUS states take aim at NSA facilities
Clarification 24 May: This article was amended to make clear that the USA Freedom Act would extend surveillance powers on a case-by-case basis.