Executive Order 12333 is the foundational authority by which NSA collects, retains, analyzes,
and disseminates foreign signals intelligence information. The principal application of this
authority is the collection of communications by foreign persons that occur wholly outside the
United States. To the extent a person located outside the United States communicates with
someone inside the United States or someone inside the United States communicates with a
person located outside the United States those communications could also be collected.
Collection pursuant to EO 12333 is conducted through various means around the globe, largely
from outside the United States, which is not otherwise regulated by FISA. Intelligence activities
conducted under this authority are carried out in accordance with minimization procedures
established by the Secretary of Defense and approved by the Attorney General.