US spies on citizens and foreigners by tapping into web and phone traffic
US spies are secretly tapping into servers of nine internet giants including Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Google in a vast anti- terror sweep targeting foreigners. Stung by a dizzying 24 hours of revelations on covert programmes, the top US spy …
See all stories on this topic »
AIRFRANCE KLM May 2013 Traffic Results
During May 2013, the passenger business recorded a 4.7% increase in traffic for capacity up by 3.5%, driven by a base effect (1.4% reduction in capacity during May 2012). The load factor stood at 81.7%, up by 0.9 points. The group carried 6.8 million …
See all stories on this topic »
PRISM scandal: Big Obama is watching you browse the web. Even Bush wasn't …
According to The Guardian and the The Washington Post, the NSA is monitoring internet traffic through Google, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Yahoo etc. The programme even has a sci-fi sounding name that conjures up images of some 25th century dystopia: …
See all stories on this topic »
Popular Questions
How does the claim that the US spies on citizens and foreigners by tapping into web and phone traffic relate to surveillance programs?
US surveillance programs have collected or accessed certain communications and internet data under laws, court orders, and executive authorities. The scope differs between targeted wiretapping, bulk metadata collection, and intelligence gathered from providers. The legal basis and oversight depend on whether the target is a US person, a foreign individual, or communications that pass through US infrastructure.
Can US agencies monitor citizens through web and phone traffic without a traditional wiretap?
In some circumstances, agencies can obtain call records, location information, internet data, or stored communications without directly listening to every call. Access may involve subpoenas, warrants, intelligence court orders, or requests to communications companies, depending on the data and situation. People can review provider privacy policies, use end-to-end encrypted services, and limit unnecessary account permissions to reduce routine data exposure.
Why can foreigners be affected when the US collects web and phone traffic?
Internet messages, cloud files, and phone calls often cross US networks or involve US-based companies, so foreign communications may be incidentally collected. Foreign intelligence authorities generally have different rules from domestic criminal investigations, although minimization and oversight procedures may apply. Travelers and international organizations should protect sensitive information with strong encryption, updated devices, and secure authentication.
What protections exist against US surveillance of web and phone communications?
US law includes constitutional limits, statutory requirements, judicial review, agency procedures, and congressional oversight, but the protections vary by person, data type, and collection method. Citizens who believe their rights were violated can consult a qualified attorney or a digital-rights organization rather than attempting to access classified systems. Practical steps include using encrypted messaging, enabling multi-factor authentication, keeping software patched, and avoiding untrusted networks for confidential communications.