Civil Liberties

Sen. Al Franken Knew Of and Supported NSA Snooping

"There are certain things that are appropriate for me to know that is not appropriate for the bad guys to know," Franken said.

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US Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., says he's not surprised by revelations that federal security agencies collect phone and computer data on American citizens.

The National Security Agency secretly gathered personal data on Americans since 2007, including their internet use and cell phone service. It's something Franken says he "was very well aware of."

"I can assure you, this is not about spying on the American people," Franken said.

Franken, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says he got secret security briefings on the program and he says it prevented unspecified terrorist acts.

(H/T John)