The USA Patriot Act: consequences for freedom of expression

Six weeks after the attack of 11 September 2001, the American Congress voted in the USA Patriot Act which increases the powers of federal agencies responsible for the application of the law to obtain information and to investigate all individuals suspected of terrorist activities. The author of this article analyses the content and the consequences of articles which offend defenders of free speech and the respect of privacy and which apply to libraries, bookstores and other public places. She transcribes the resolution adopted by the ALA in April 2002 relating to the provisions of a law which restricts the rights of users.
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