The U.S. Senate has passed a procedural vote to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ahead of its April 19 expiration deadline.

The bipartisan bill seeks to extend and reform the surveillance program, which is deemed vital for preventing terrorism and cyberattacks.

The extension has sparked debate due to concerns over potential civil liberties violations and an expansion of government surveillance powers.

Privacy advocates warn that the broader language of the bill could turn businesses into inadvertent spies and erode personal privacy.

The Biden administration is actively briefing senators on the program's national security importance, countering calls for amendments to protect civil liberties.

Senators Ron Wyden and Rand Paul are vocal critics of the program's extension, citing fears of government overreach and abuse of power.

Despite technical expiration, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court's opinion allows the program to remain active for an additional year.

There is increasing skepticism about government surveillance, with specific concerns about the FBI's searches involving Americans under the program.

If the reauthorization succeeds, Section 702 will remain effective until 2026.