Three new changes in federal court rules have vastly expanded law enforcement's ability to hack into computers around the world.

The changes, to a federal court procedure known as Rule 41, were announced last week by the Supreme Court. They would let magistrate judges routinely issue search warrants to hack into computers outside their jurisdiction. The changes would also let magistrates issue a single search warrant for numerous computers in multiple jurisdictions, saving law enforcement the burden of having to obtain a separate warrant for each computer. This means a judge in Virginia could issue a single warrant for computers in California, Florida, Illinois and even overseas.

The government says the changes are minor but necessary to keep pace with cross-border internet crime and anonymizing software like Tor that hides the real IP address and location of computers. But civil liberties groups say the amendments let authorities conduct expansive hacking operations with little oversight, potentially threatening the security and privacy of innocent parties. They're also alarmed that the changes suggest the government aims to hack the computers of crime victims—not just perpetrators.

One senator, Ron Wyden (D—Oregon), has already promised to introduce legislation that would halt the changes to Rule 41, but he only has seven months to get it passed.

Here's a breakdown of the three changes and why they're so controversial.

What Are the Proposed Changes to Rule 41?

Rule 41 governs how search warrants are requested and executed in federal cases, including the authority magistrates have to issue them. The Justice Department can request changes to the rules, which the US Supreme Court can approve or reject.