• About the Act
• What Is the Patriot Act
• Controversy About Parts of the Patriot Act
• How the Patriot Act May Affect You in the Library
• Internet and Email Privacy
• Library Records
• Patriot Act Resources

Signed into law on Oct. 26, 2001, the USA Patriot Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) was a response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

It was formulated "to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes."¹ The Act amends several pre-existing laws while also creating new crimes, new penalties, and new procedures.

The Act has since caused controversy between those who hail it as necessary to protect Americans and those who condemn the act as an invasion of privacy and infringement upon freedom of speech. In recent months, the Act has come under criticism from members of both houses of Congress, liberal and conservative organizations, and city and state governments.
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This bi-partisan opposition to the Act has evolved after its near-unanimous approval. The Senate voted 98-1 to approve it and the House voted 356-66 for approval.
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