A federal appeals court in New York ruled that the bulk collection of Americans' phone records by the National Security Agency (NSA) is illegal.
The Thursday decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan found that the program "exceeds the scope of what Congress has authorized," according to the 97-page ruling.
The case hinges on revelations from a leak 2013 of NSA documents by former government contractor Edward Snowden that exposed the bulk collection of information domestically by the agency.
Glenn Greenwald, one of the investigative journalists responsible for bringing Snowden's information to light in The Guardian, indicated that the ruling should mean that Snowden is absolved of criminal charges for being a whistle blower, and instead applauded for bringing the program to light. He also praised the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who brought the case to court.
Maybe someone who reveals a secret program that multiple federal judges say is ILLEGAL is a whistleblower who deserves gratitude-not prison?— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) May 7, 2015
The decision is also a reminder of what a crucial role the ACLU plays in American democracy— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) May 7, 2015
In the ruling, a three-judge panel said the case illustrated the complexity of balancing privacy interests with the nation's security.
A lower court judge had thrown out the case. The appeals court said the lower court had erred in ruling that the phone records collection program was legal.
However, the 2nd Circuit declined to block the program, saying it is now up to Congress to decide whether and under what conditions it should continue.
It said a debate in Congress could profoundly alter the legal landscape.
The full ruling can be seen below:
Several prominent figures voiced their approval of the rulings, including Republican Presidential candidate Rand Paul. Paul's opposition to government surveillance programs is one of the platforms of his campaign.
The phone records of law abiding citizens are none of the NSA's business! Pleased with the ruling this morning. pic.twitter.com/y4FBePt6h6— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) May 7, 2015
Some information from The Associated press.