USA Patriot Act

USA Patriot Act Definition

The USA Patriot Act, passed after the September 11 attacks in 2001, was significant because it aimed to enhance national security by expanding surveillance and investigative powers. It highlighted tensions between security and privacy, as some people felt it infringed on individual rights. These issues remain relevant today as technology advances, raising questions about how much access the government should have to personal information. For example, debates about phone and internet data collection continue, affecting how companies and governments handle personal data. This impacts people's daily lives by influencing privacy settings on social media and the security measures in public spaces.

Practice Version

USA Patriot Act Definition

USA Patriot Act: An agreement to strengthen national security following the September 11 attacks. USA Patriot Act. The USA Patriot Act is a law enacted in 2001 to enhance the U.S. government's ability to detect and prevent terrorism.