CNET reports that Internet service providers are being pressed by the National Security Agency to turn over users’ passwords and security questions and answers to the Government. While many see this as an invasion of privacy, NSA Deputy Director John Inglis called it “an essential building block of national security.” “What good would it do us to warehouse all the data we’re collecting if we could be shutout of access by inability to get past users’ security walls?” Inglis asked. “Loyal and law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from the NSA. Only those engaged in activities hostile to Government policies will be targeted.” The NSA’s reassurances did not impress Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore) who called it “an essential building block for unlimited government. Access to passwords would allow the Government to seize control of users’ accounts. Bank deposits could be cleaned out. Fraudulent transactions could be conducted making the users liable for civil damages and criminal charges. It would enable an ‘Orwellian’ nightmare state to arise.” Inglis characterized Wyden’s fears as “at best, paranoid delusions,” but left open the possibility that “they might represent a more sinister effort aimed at thwarting our attempts to protect the nation from persons engaging in anti-government conspiracies.”
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 04:58:08 +0000
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