Final answer:
The Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) requires built-in surveillance capabilities for federal agencies in telecommunications equipment. This law is focused on lawful electronic surveillance within the domain of telecommunications, distinguishing it from others like the USA Patriot Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States law that requires telecommunications equipment manufacturers to provide built-in surveillance capabilities for federal agencies is known as the Communication Assistance to Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). This law was enacted in 1994 and is intended to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to conduct electronic surveillance by requiring that telecommunications carriers and manufacturers of telecommunications equipment modify and design their equipment, facilities, and services to ensure that they have the necessary capabilities and capacities to intercept and provide communications and call-identifying information pursuant to lawful authorization.
CALEA is distinct from other laws such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the Electronic Communication Privacy Act (ECPA), and the USA Patriot Act, though these laws also relate to government surveillance activities. The USA Patriot Act, for example, significantly expanded the federal government's authority to monitor electronic communications for the purposes of counter-terrorism.