‘The US National Security Agency (NSA) is mulling to expand its controversial collection of phone records and data of the American public, drawing the anger of civil rights groups.

Officials familiar with the issue claimed the possible enlargement of the NSA database is an unintended consequence of the lawsuits which are aimed at halting the espionage program.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, they told the Wall Street Journal that “no final decision has been made to preserve the data” and that “even if a decision is made to retain the information, it would be held only for the purpose of litigation and not be subject to searches.”’

Read more: Officials: NSA considers expanding collection of Americans’ phone records