Private data security

Snowden: Hacking rule changes threaten Americans' rights

Changes to a little-known rule that allows law enforcement agencies like the FBI to search multiple computers with one warrant go into effect in a few hours, prompting a stern warning from former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that the rights of all Americans are in jeopardy.

Snowden replied on Twitter late Wednesday to a tweet from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who called attention to a failed 11th hour attempt on the Senate floor by himself and two colleagues to rally support for a unanymous consent to vote on three bills that would block or delay or put a stop to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which goes into effect midnight Thursday.

"Without a debate or any new law, the rights of every American — and basic privacy of people around the world — have been narrowed," Snowden wrote.