The National Security Agency (NSA) is facing accusations of buying Americans’ internet browsing information from commercial data brokers without obtaining warrants, according to documents released by Senator Ron Wyden. In a letter to Senator Wyden, NSA director Paul Nakasone provided newly unclassified documents that revealed the agency’s practice of purchasing Americans’ data, including details about the websites they visit and the apps they use. The letter, dated December 11, was made public on Thursday, sparking concerns over privacy rights and government surveillance.
Senator Wyden, known for his advocacy of privacy and internet freedom, serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee and has called on U.S. intelligence officials to cease the unlawful use of Americans’ personal data without their knowledge and consent. In a letter addressed to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Wyden emphasized that the U.S. government should not support or legitimize an industry that violates Americans’ privacy rights and operates unethically and illegally.
To highlight the seriousness of the matter, Senator Wyden had previously blocked the appointment of incoming NSA Director Timothy Haugh until the agency responded to his inquiries regarding the collection of Americans’ internet and location data. Wyden revealed that he had been pushing for nearly three years to publicly release information that demonstrates the NSA’s practice of purchasing Americans’ internet records. He emphasized that such records could potentially identify individuals seeking help from sensitive hotlines, such as suicide prevention or support for survivors of sexual assault or domestic abuse.
Director Nakasone confirmed the purchases in his letter to Senator Wyden, acknowledging that the data collected “may include information associated with electronic devices being used outside – and, in certain cases, inside – the United States.” The NSA attempted to defend its actions by arguing that the acquired information holds significant value for national security and cybersecurity missions and is used sparingly. However, Senator Wyden pointed out that obtaining these records of Americans’ browsing data violates U.S. Federal Trade Commission standards.
The Federal Trade Commission recently issued an order prohibiting a Virginia-based data broker, formerly known as X-Mode Social and now called Outlogic, from selling sensitive location data used to track individuals. Wyden drew attention to the fact that until recently, the data broker industry and the intelligence community’s purchase of data from these companies had operated in a legal gray area, primarily due to the secretive nature of the practice. He highlighted how app developers and advertising companies failed to transparently disclose to users the sale and sharing of their personal data with data brokers or seek informed consent.
In his letter to Director Haines, Senator Wyden requested that the U.S. intelligence community compile an inventory of all personal data of Americans held by the NSA and eliminate any data that does not comply with FTC standards. Furthermore, Wyden stressed the importance of conveying to Congress and the American public any specific needs for retaining data that align with FTC standards.
The revelations regarding the NSA’s purchase of Americans’ internet browsing data have raised significant concerns about privacy rights and the potential abuse of personal information by government agencies. Critics argue that such practices infringe upon individual liberties and call for stricter regulations to protect citizens’ privacy in the digital age.
