What was the effect of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act of 2008 on privacy rights?

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act of 2008 had a significant impact on privacy rights by easing the restrictions related to the collection of electronic communication. Specifically, it allowed for more extensive surveillance capabilities for national security purposes, particularly concerning the interception of communications involving foreign targets. This legislation enabled the government to conduct surveillance without requiring a warrant for communications that passed through U.S. networks, even if they involved American citizens.

By facilitating this broader data collection, the Act effectively relaxed the existing limits on how intelligence agencies could gather information. This change raised significant concerns regarding the erosion of privacy rights, as it allowed the government more leeway in accessing individuals' communications without sufficient oversight or the necessity for individualized warrants. Thus, the correct answer reflects that the amendment led to a relaxation of the previously established limits on data collection, impacting privacy rights considerably.