Senators Grill Spy Agency Lawyer On Geolocation Tracking Of Americans

Matt Olsen
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U.S. authorities might have the legal authority to track Americans’ movements within the United States through their cell phones, according to Matt Olsen, the National Security Agency’s general counsel.

Olsen made the comment during a confirmation hearing Tuesday morning in front of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. President Obama has nominated him to lead the National Counterterrorism Center.

Olsen made the remark in response to Ron Wyden, (D-OR,) who asked him about the authority, reports The Wall Street Journal.

“There are certain circumstances where that authority may exist,” he said.

According to the Journal, Olsen said that he would prepare a memo by September to more thoroughly answer the question.

Last week, Wyden and Sen. Mark Udall, (D-CO) asked the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper for more information on the same subject.

Both senators are concerned about the federal government’s domestic intelligence gathering activities and how they impact everyday Americans.

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