What does a National Security Letter (NSL) typically seek to obtain?

A National Security Letter (NSL) is a powerful tool used by the U.S. government, primarily the FBI, to request certain types of information for national security purposes, especially related to threats such as terrorism. NSLs can compel organizations to provide records and information that are relevant to preventing, investigating, or prosecuting international terrorism or espionage activities.

The focus on records that help prevent international terrorism aligns with the broader goals of national security laws, which are designed to protect the country from threats. NSLs typically target communication records, subscriber information, and transactional data that could provide insight into potential terrorist activities or affiliations.

The other options do not pertain to the core purpose of NSLs. Financial records for tax compliance and medical records for healthcare audits pertain to regulatory and compliance efforts rather than national security. Employment records for labor disputes are not relevant to national security concerns and fall within labor law contexts, which do not invoke NSL authority. This specificity and linkage to national security make the option related to preventing international terrorism the correct answer regarding the purpose and scope of NSLs.