is top secret, but nonetheless, a senior administration official putting out a statement to cnn that read in part quote the information of the sort described in the guardian article has been a correct, al tool in protecting the nation from terrorist threats to the united states as it allows counterterrorism personnel to discover whether known or suspected terrorists have been in contact with other persons who may be engaged if terrorist activities, particularly people located inside the united states. again, this senior administration official emphasizing what we are talking about here is mefa-data such as time of call or length of call. this is not someone eavesdropping on the contents of a conversation. nonetheless, raising eyebrows even up on capitol hill, some lawmakers concerned, senator diane dine stein a short time ago defended this practice. this renewal is carried out by the fisa court under the business record section of the patriot act. therefore, it is lawful.