US debates NSA spy programme

Lawmakers consider reforms after leaked details of National Security Agency’s surveillance system shocked world.

In a rare public hearing, US lawmakers have been debating how to change the National Security Agency’s vast spying programme.

There has been outrage both in the US and abroad after details of the country’s surveillance system were leaked by former security contractor, Edward Snowden.

Some senior officials say the NSA’s programmes must stay intact in order to keep the US safe.

But a growing number of politicians believe they should be restricted, mainly because they are a violating the privacy rights of many citizens.

Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reports.

Source: Al Jazeera