An independent watchdog under fire from the Trump administration is pushing for stricter rules on how the U.S. handles its terrorism watch list. In a report released Friday, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board urged the federal government to limit the use of this widely debated tool.

The watch list, which includes over a million names, can prevent people from flying, entering the country, or subject them to extra airport screenings. Most on the list are foreigners, with about 6,000 Americans included. Agencies across the government contribute to it, but critics argue it’s often misused, highlighting concerns about privacy and fairness.

The board’s recommendations come at a tense moment. Earlier this week, the White House demanded that three Democratic-appointed members resign by Jan. 23, threatening to remove them if they refused. As of Friday, all three remained in their roles, according to an agency spokesperson. Losing them would leave only one Republican-appointed member, effectively crippling the board’s ability to act.

This watchdog also plays a key role in U.S.-European data privacy agreements. A weakened board could complicate trans-Atlantic business, as stricter EU privacy laws rely on U.S. oversight to ensure consumer data is protected.

The report, which took years to complete, scrutinizes the FBI’s handling of the watch list. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties—a debate that’s only grown more contentious in recent years.

As the watchdog fights for its survival, its latest push for accountability raises big questions about how the U.S. protects both safety and individual rights.