Understanding Government Surveillance and Targeting: Criteria and Procedures

In today's world, the terms 'government surveillance' and 'targeting' often stir up a mix of fear and confusion. Many people wonder if they can be targeted by agencies like the CIA or FBI, and if so, under what criteria and procedures. This article aims to clarify these doubts and provide a comprehensive understanding of how and under what circumstances individuals might be considered targets.

Criteria for Government Targeting

The criteria for government agencies like the CIA and FBI to consider targeting an individual for recruitment, law enforcement, or surveillance purposes are varied and complex. For the CIA, targeting an individual typically involves a specific context where traditional methods of acquiring information (such as overt operations or interactions with non-governmental agencies like the State Department) are insufficient.

The CIA may target an individual if they have access to information that is crucial for the US foreign policy community. This information could be of such a nature or volume that it cannot be obtained through standard communication channels or by other means of the US government. For instance, an individual with unique access to foreign intelligence that is of critical importance to US foreign policymakers could potentially be a target for recruitment if that individual can be convinced to share the information with the appropriate channels in a way that does not put them at unreasonable risk.

The Role of the FBI

In contrast to the CIA, the FBI, although a law enforcement agency, operates under different rules. The FBI is primarily responsible for the protection of civil rights, enforcing federal laws, and investigating crimes across different jurisdictions. Unlike the CIA, the FBI is bound by standard police procedures.

While the CIA is involved in intelligence gathering and strategic operations, the FBI's focus is on law enforcement and preventing and solving crimes. This means that the procedures and criteria for the FBI to consider an individual a target are more closely aligned with the legal frameworks of the US criminal justice system.

Procedure and Legal Frameworks

For both agencies, the process of targeting an individual involves a complex legal and procedural framework. In the case of the CIA, the procedures and criteria are closely tied to national security requirements and may include but are not limited to:

FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) EO 12333 (Executive Order 12333) FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) Patriot Act and Espionage Act of 1917 National Security Act of 1947

These laws and orders provide the necessary legal backing for the CIA to conduct operations and target individuals. However, these operations must be conducted in a manner that aligns with the principles of legality, proportionality, and necessity.

General Targeting Criteria

For individuals to be considered a target by any federal agency, there must be substantial evidence of criminal behavior or a threat to national security. For the FBI, this would typically involve significant evidence of violation of federal criminal statutes, such as facilitating illegal drug trade (especially on a large scale), human trafficking, or other substantial and legally provable crimes.

Individuals are not randomly targeted by the CIA or FBI. The selection process involves a rigorous vetting and investigation to ensure that the individual poses a genuine threat or is in a position to offer valuable intelligence or resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the CIA and FBI have the capability to target individuals under specific legal and procedural frameworks, the use of such power is constrained by the need to respect legal boundaries and ethical standards.

Targeting individuals by these agencies is a serious matter and is not conducted lightly. If you believe that you or someone you know has been unjustly targeted, it is advisable to seek legal counsel and advocate for your rights within the legal system.