The Federal Bureau of Investigations today confirmed that it improperly accessed the private information of Americans while attempting to investigate and track terrorist and spies. The FBI said telephone records, credit reports, and Internet traffic of individuals were improperly reviewed in 2006.

The FBI has since implemented new reforms to prevent such abuses.

FBI officials testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee today. The committee is reviewing provisions of the Patriot Act which allow the issuance of national security letters. These letters enable the FBI to obtain private information without first seeking authority from a judge or grand jury.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030500463.html