NSA mass surveillance 'illegal', rules US federal court

Landmark ruling hailed as 'huge step' for individual Americans' rights, but the fight is far from over

NSA desk
(Image credit: AFP/Getty Images)

The National Security Agency's surveillance programme has been ruled illegal by a US federal court, in a significant blow to the White House and intelligence agencies.

The landmark ruling will not put an immediate end to the programme, but it does leave its future in doubt, says the Daily Telegraph. Congress is expected to vote on a bill which would end the NSA's collection of bulk data next week, reinforcing the court's decision.

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