Virtually all the world’s long haul communications now travel over fiber-optic lines, which are extremely difficult to tap. So just how does the National Security Agency do its job of intercepting electronic communications, when they are, for the most part, no longer easily captured from traditional radio, satellite and microwave sources?
A lot of smart people have been doing a lot of speculation on how NSA might have managed to tap these fiber-optic lines running into and out of the U.S. Some of the speculation might actually approach reality.
Declan McCullagh takes a look at the tapping of fiber-optic cables and how it might technically be accomplished, for instance. He finds out that while it’s technically possible to tap a fiber-optic cable underwater, it’s extremely difficult and runs the risk of destroying the cable, a risk that’s likely unacceptable if the tap is supposed to be covert.
Instead, it’s likely that NSA has gained the cooperation of major telecommunications carriers, such as AT&T, Sprint and MCI (now Verizon). None of those companies would comment officially on the matter; however, USA TODAY claims to have confirmed that each of these three carriers is actively assisting NSA with its “terrorist surveillance program.”
If NSA has gained assistance from the communications companies, then its job is far easier than if it had to install undersea taps on the fiber-optic lines that line the world’s oceans.
(Hat tip: Defense Tech)
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Gölök ZLF Buday
Feb 09, 2006
A disgrase, espionage is an unconstitutional act, let alone expansion of federal powers, the NSA should have never seen the light of day, let alone any other espial organization.
Gölök Zoltán Leenderdt Franco Buday
http://www.contact.myegotimes.com/
Feb 09, 2006
Bits of homeland surveillance - Homeland Security or Homeland Stupidity
David Harris
Feb 12, 2006
I no problem with tapping as LONG as its done properly and goes through the FISA courts. And as long as the calls aren’t domestic calls. International calls only.
Otherwise I agree. Its unconstitutional.
Gölök ZLF Buday
Feb 12, 2006
No NSA, FBI, DEA, FBI violate the tenth as an expansion of powers of the federal government and no one can trust government with that sneaky sort of power, I’d be surprised if spies aren’t scared they are being watched and tapped all the time. Oh and Ft. Meade and Langley are in and from the United States. So operations are occuring within.
On and National, Pat Henry conceided loss on National Government, and Total Parliamentarianism also lost, it’s a Federal Constitutional Republic with a Central Committee known as congress and no president is won with a popular vote. Mill must be pleased. I am.
Secret courts, hmmmm, illegal.
The collective in the state should feel odd calling someone like me a conspiracy nut.
After all all these terrorist acts could be some lone anarchist no different then some abortion nut blowing up a clinic because politician’s views are opposed to abortion. There is no clear soldier just some professional stalker/liar or spy’s word for it.
The United States values are as true today as they were in 1776 and such freedoms can not be violated accross borders either, you want to inspire freedom around the world, then the US of A needs to lead by example, not by mindless flag waving.
Regards,
Gölök Zoltán Leenderdt Franco Buday
http://www.contact.myegotimes.com/
Q
Jun 12, 2006
2 days ago, a major fiber cable that RCN uses to supply internet service to NYC, was mysteriously cut. internet was down all day, now i know why, they were installing a tapping mechanism