An NSA program that collects electronic information on U.S. residents who are communicating with foreign targets is a valuable and effective tool for fighting terrorism, but also goes "right up to the line" as far as its constitutionality, according to an independent review panel, which released a 190-page report on Wednesday. The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board looked specifically at Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The panel recommended more transparency and other revisions to the program, but no fundamental changes, after determining that it operates just within constitutional and legal boundaries. The review was requested by President Obama and members of Congress following disclosures by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
