(Image via Twitter)
"There is no such thing as absolute privacy in America,” said FBI Director James Comey at a conference on cybersecurity on Wednesday. “There is no place in America outside of judicial reach.”
Speaking at the event hosted by Boston College, Comey explained that Americans should be wary of their privacy expectations as a result of the "bargain" our Founders made long ago:
"That’s the bargain, and we made that bargain over two centuries ago to achieve two goals: to achieve the very important goal of privacy and to achieve the very important goal of security," he said.
Comey said, however, that Americans have “a reasonable expectation of privacy,” wherein “the government cannot invade our privacy without good reason.”
"Americans have a reasonable expectation of privacy in our homes, in our cars, in our devices,” he said. “It is a vital part of being an American. The government cannot invade our privacy without good reason, reviewable in court."
Comey did not address Trump's controversial claim that the Obama adminisration ordered electronic surveillance of his campaign headquarters ahead of the 2016 election, nor did the FBI director make mention of his request to the Justice Department that it refute the president's accusation.
An order for electronic surveillance would require court review and approval. If any wiretapping did occur without explicit approval by a FISA Court judge, it would be considered illegal.
Comey did indicate that he plans to finish out his 10-year term as director of the FBI.
“You’re stuck with me for about another six and a half years, so I’d love to be invited back again,” he said.
Comey was appointed three-and-a-half years ago by then-President Barack Obama.
Thank you for supporting MRCTV! As a tax-deductible, charitable organization, we rely on the support of our readers to keep us running! Keep MRCTV going with your gift here!