Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) introduced legislation today to try to protect Americans from unwarranted drone surveillance.
The Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2012 would prohibit the use of drones by the government except when a warrant is issued for its use in accordance with the requirements of the Fourth Amendment, with exceptions for patrolling national borders, high risk of a terrorist attack, or law enforcement determination that swift drone activity is necessary due to “imminent” risk to life.
Under the bill, Americans could sue the government for violations.
“Like other tools used to collect information in law enforcement, in order to use drones a warrant needs to be issued. Americans going about their everyday lives should not be treated like criminals or terrorists and have their rights infringed upon by military tactics,” Paul said.
The bill would also prevent any evidence seized in an unlawful drone surveillance from being used in court.
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