For instance, a 2018 report by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board revealed that the NSA collected data on millions of innocent Americans. This sparked public outcry and highlighted concerns over the potential for government overreach.

One of the most contentious aspects of the Patriot Act is its potential to infringe on citizens' privacy rights. The expanded surveillance capabilities allow the government to monitor communications and access personal information without the need for a warrant. This has led to concerns about the erosion of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.