Topic: National Security Agency

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FISA 101: 10 key dates in the evolution of NSA surveillance

When news of the PRISM data collection and surveillance program broke in early June 2013, it shook up the cyber security debate, and called into question just how much information the US government is authorized to collect. But government data collection isn’t something that just sprang up out of nowhere – it just sprang into national attention after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked government documents about the secret government agency. Here’s a brief list of post-9/11 legislation and surveillance programs to add a historical perspective to the current government surveillance debate.

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FISA 101: 10 key dates in the evolution of NSA surveillance

When news of the PRISM data collection and surveillance program broke in early June 2013, it shook up the cyber security debate, and called into question just how much information the US government is authorized to collect. But government data collection isn’t something that just sprang up out of nowhere – it just sprang into national attention after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked government documents about the secret government agency. Here’s a brief list of post-9/11 legislation and surveillance programs to add a historical perspective to the current government surveillance debate.
Snowden leaks give new life to lawsuits challenging NSA surveillance programs

Documents Edward Snowden leaked about sweeping NSA surveillance programs have emboldened privacy advocates and government watchdog groups to file a new round of lawsuits challenging the programs' constitutionality.
Backchannels Microsoft hits out at NSA reports and Obama Justice department

Software giant Microsoft says NSA leak reports have overstated the level of access given to the US government of customers' data, but also complains the Justice Department is acting contrary to the First Amendment.
Backchannels Is it wrong to be interested in Snowden? (+video)

The former NSA contractor is on the run from the US. A supporter says he has thousands of documents that could do grave damage to the US.
Monitor Breakfast Sen. Carl Levin imagines NSA phone-tracking in hands of J. Edgar Hoover

The Michigan Democrat frames in vivid terms the potential for abuse of the NSA phone-surveillance program, invoking the memory of J. Edgar Hoover and his secret FBI files on public officials. But the program has pluses, too, says Sen. Carl Levin.
USA Update Bradley Manning case: lawyers battle over most serious charge

Defense lawyers say the prosecution has not proven that Pfc. Bradley Manning intended to aid the enemy in releasing classified information to WikiLeaks.
Global News Blog Putin acknowledges Snowden is 'trapped' in Russia (+video)

But he and Snowden agree on one thing: Snowden should leave Russia as soon as possible.
Terrorism & Security Snowden revelations: What more does he have? (+video)

Journalist Glenn Greenwald says the former NSA contractor has 'thousands of documents' that detail how the security agency operates.
Microsoft gave NSA access to encrypted messages

Microsoft worked closely with the NSA, granting access to encrypted messages, according to leaked NSA documents published in the Guardian.
Hacker conference tells Feds not to attend

The founder of Def Con, the world's largest hacker conference, has requested that government employees do not attend.
Decoder Wire Is US public rallying around Edward Snowden? (+video)

A new poll shows 'a massive shift in attitudes' on whether government antiterrorism efforts infringe too much on civil liberties, but pollsters caution that Americans' views are 'complicated.'
Edward Snowden heads to Venezuela? Yes! No. Maybe? (+video)

Edward Snowden's whereabouts and travel plans are unclear. Rumors about that Edward Snowden has already or will soon be heading to Venezuela, but confirmation remains elusive.
FBI nominee James Comey: Did he ace confirmation hearing?

James Comey, a Republican who served under George W. Bush, told the senators he considered waterboarding torture. The FBI nominee sailed through his confirmation hearing with bipartisan support.
Alleged NSA surveillance in Brazil stirs regional tension – again

Documents leaked to O Globo newspaper by Edward Snowden suggest the US has monitored billions of Brazilian calls and emails. Its leaders are demanding an explanation.
NSA surveillance: Supreme Court is asked to halt phone spying on Americans

A privacy group called on the Supreme Court to invalidate the secret court order that authorized the collection of telephone metadata from every Verizon business customer in the US.
The Monitor's View Why EU-US trade talks should be about more than trade

As the European Union and the United States start talks for a transatlantic free-trade zone, they must see the opportunity to expand their common humanity as well.
Venezuala Snowden's last chance: Russian official

Venezuala: Snowden hasn't yet been in contact. Russian officials say he has been stuck in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport since arriving on a flight from Hong Kong two weeks ago.
Venezuela, Nicaragua offer Edward Snowden asylum. For real?

The leaders of Venezuela and Nicaragua have offered asylum to NSA leaker Edward Snowden. But are the offers genuine, or just a way to tweak their powerful neighbor to the north?
France: another snooping state, says Le Monde

A report from Le Monde alleges that France's external intelligence services have been operating extensive surveillance programs similar to those conducted by the NSA in the US.
July 4 protests target NSA surveillance as Fourth Amendment violations (+video)

This year, on the Fourth, a coalition of activists is rallying to the cry of 'Restore the Fourth,' as in Amendment. Protests both digital and physical are planned against NSA surveillance programs.
Where should Snowden go? His dad, Russia, and Ecuador all weigh in.

Edward Snowden's father told NBC his son might return to the US if conditions were met.
Russia debates letting Snowden in from the cold (+video)

But would a Kremlin offer of asylum to the former NSA contractor be cynical or altruistic?
Chapter & Verse Spy vs. Spy: 16th-Century Style

Thanks to human nature, the essence of espionage hasn't changed much in 500 years. Historian Stephen Budiansky compares spying in the 16th-century with modern-day tactics.
Global News Blog Good Reads: From algorithms, to Roman walls, to the new liberals and conservatives

This week's round-up of Good Reads include doubts about algorithms' 'all-power,' the recipe for Roman concrete, the need for a Turkish Mandela, young liberals who may be more conservative than they realize, and the usefulness of military 'land power.'
Backchannels The US demands Russia give up Snowden: Thanks, says Putin.

Every time the US 'demands' something from another country without considering the other parties' interests and motivations, it weakens itself. Vladimir Putin has been pointing this out.