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NSA Broke Privacy Rules Thousands of Times Per Year, Audit Finds

Posted by samzenpus on from the say-it-isn't-so dept.

NettiWelho writes "The Washington Post reports: The National Security Agency has broken privacy rules or overstepped its legal authority thousands of times each year since Congress granted the agency broad new powers in 2008, according to an internal audit and other top-secret documents. Most of the infractions involve unauthorized surveillance of Americans or foreign intelligence targets in the United States, both of which are restricted by law and executive order. They range from significant violations of law to typographical errors that resulted in unintended interception of U.S. e-mails and telephone calls."

5 of 312 comments (clear)

  1. Well finally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now congress HAS to do something about it!

    1. Re:Well finally by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'm glad congress doesn't plan nuclear plants. Their solution for a warning light popping up would certainly be to remove the bulb.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  2. Re:3 frightening words by TWiTfan · · Score: 5, Funny

    But...but...President Obama and the NSA chief assured us that abuses don't happen and that there's plenty of oversight to stop them. So surely the Washington Post MUST be mistaken!

    --
    The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  3. Re:3 frightening words by kilfarsnar · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is it time to say "We told you fuckers."?

    I informed you thusly! I so informed you thusly.

    --
    "What the American public doesn't know is what makes them the American public." -Ray Zalinsky (Tommy Boy)
  4. Re:Take a breath, get some perspective. by wbr1 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yep. Us citizens do not get a pass if we "accidentally" break the law. The NSA should not get one either. Plus their definition of "accidentally" is pretty lame and not really that far removed from intentional.

    Occidental.. we meant to say all our spying was 'occidental'!!

    --
    Silence is a state of mime.