View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Software
August 1, 2013

Snowden reveals new NSA secret surveillance programme

XKeyScore gives US gov access to emails and browsing histories of millions of people.

By CBR Staff Writer

Whistleblower Edward Snowden has revealed another secret surveillance programme that gives the US government access to millions of people’s emails, online chats and browsing histories, according to leaked documents.

XKeyscore lets National Security Agency (NSA) analysts to read e-mails, online chats and track browsing data without any prior authorisation, according to training guides for the programme leaked to the Guardian by the former CIA employee.

The documents appear to shed light on one of Snowden’s earlier statements that, from his desk, he could "wiretap anyone, from you or your accountant, to a federal judge or event the president, if I had a personal e-mail."

One training slide revealed by the newspaper illustrates the digital activity constantly being collected by the programme and the analyst’s ability to query the databases at any time, yet information requests are not reviewed by a court or any NSA personnel before being processed.

Snowden told the Guardian last month that he was authorised to use XKeyscore while working as a technology consulting firm contractor for the NSA.

US officials denied the new claims.

Snowden, who recently revealed Prism surveillance programme of NSA, is still believed to be in Russia.

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

Earlier this month, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange said that irrespective of the outcome regarding the situation of Snowden, his information about US surveillance programmes will continue to be released.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU