NSA collects millions of text messages daily in 'untargeted' global sweep

[Luminous Animal]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/16/nsa-collects-millions-text-messages-daily-untargeted-global-sweep

The National Security Agency has collected almost 200 million text messages a day from across the globe, using them to extract data including location, contact networks and credit card details, according to top-secret documents.
The untargeted collection and storage of SMS messages – including their contacts – is revealed in a joint investigation between the Guardian and the UK’s Channel 4 News based on material provided by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The documents also reveal the UK spy agency GCHQ has made use of the NSA database to search the metadata of “untargeted and unwarranted” communications belonging to people in the UK.
The NSA program, codenamed Dishfire, collects “pretty much everything it can”, according to GCHQ documents, rather than merely storing the communications of existing surveillance targets.

[Purveyor]

1. Thank you for posting. +1 eom

[spin]

2. I fear the great American experiment with Democracy has ended. ...

A very few people who may or may not have the best interests of our country at heart will have access to data that will enable them to destroy ANYONE who they view as a threat. Imagine how powerful J Edgar Hoover who was known as "most powerful man in Washington" would have been had he had access to mega-data. Would reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein been willing to report on the Watergate scandal or even able to convince "Deep Throat" to reveal information damaging to Richard Nixon.

The citizens in our nation will continue to watch Duck Dynasty and Dancing with the Stars and only a few will worry about the fact that they have no privacy whatsoever. The news media will discuss the amazing ability of the NSA to collect data but they will concentrate more on less important news items perhaps because they fear retaliation.

A very few unelected individuals will find they have the power to control Congress and perhaps even our President. They could foolishly launch a war that will cost thousands or even millions of lives. They could misuse the power they have because they know so much about everybody for their own benefit and end up fantastically rich.

Unfortunately it appears that there is little that we can do to stop this from happening.

Forget about living in a "free" nation. Big Brother will be in charge. Be very careful who you call, or what you say on the internet. If you get elected to office (especially national office) be sure not to oppose polices that Big Brother might support or your career and possibly your life will be ruined.

[Th1onein]

3. I'm afraid you are right, spin.

Welcome to the police state.

[Generic Other]

5. And all these years with my hair on fire...

always kind of thinking I am a borderline paranoid nutjob.

[spin]

6. In the near future I may be very hesitant to post anything like I just said on DU. ...

and so may everyone else here.

I also may have to be careful what I post on Facebook and who I call or text. We all may fear popping up on the NSA radar screen. Better to see no evil, hear no evil and say no evil. Just quietly accept the fact that you are a subject and not a free person.

Many years ago I read a prediction that a major terrorist attack on the U.S. might lead to a loss of our liberty. That prophecy may prove all too accurate. If so, the terrorists will have won as our nation will no longer be a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world.

What I fear is that the big corporations and the 1% will be firmly in charge. The rich will lead a fantastic life while the majority will struggle to survive which is largely what is happening in our nation today. The sad fact it that has been has happened throughout the history of civilization on this planet.

[LondonReign2]

10. Very very true

They can destroy anyone, anywhere, anytime. Not only can they can collect the data, they insert false records if they so choose. But they may not need to even go that far with everything they have.

But it's OK (we're told), because its all "legal".

[spin]

12. You can always trust your government. ...

It always has your best interests at heart.

[Savannahmann]

4. And another revelation

One wonders where the bullshit ends, and then you realize, it just doesn't end.

[Holly_Hobby]

7. That's not all they're doing by a long shot....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024340717

[Liberal_in_LA]

8. kick

[NightWatcher]

9. here's hoping my "don't forget the cough drops" helps improve national security

"halls, cherry"

Dicks

[hootinholler]

11. But 4 layers of control!

They're not storing content!

Where are those guys now?

Dishfire. More to come, I'm sure.