Share
Does the NSA look at texts?
Question
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Answer ( 1 )
Yes, the National Security Agency collects metadata from phone calls. But the agency also collects data about text messages sent via mobile phones.
The government says it uses this information to track down terrorists. Critics argue that the program violates privacy rights.
But the NSA says it’s legal because the law passed by Congress specifically authorizes collection of call records and not text messages.
Critics point out that the government could easily collect text messages without collecting call logs. They say that the government should instead focus on getting warrants to access content stored on cellphones.
It’s unclear whether the NSA actually looks at the contents of the messages.
The NSA claims it doesn’t store text messages collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. That section requires the agency to obtain a warrant to search electronic communications.
But critics say that the NSA may still have copies of the text messages. In addition, the NSA might have saved them to a database somewhere.
And there’s one other possibility. Some companies don’t delete user data immediately after receiving requests from intelligence agencies. Instead, they keep it for months or even years.
So the NSA could have obtained a copy of the text messages. And if it ever wants to look at the content, it just needs to ask the company holding onto the data.
The NSA says it doesn’t retain text messages indefinitely. After six months, it deletes them.
A spokesperson told us that the NSA doesn’t save the actual text messages. But she said the agency keeps a record of which numbers were associated with which phone number.
Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want them to see
If you’re worried about the NSA looking at your messages, there’s no need to worry. The NSA doesn’t actually read your private communications. They just collect metadata�information about who sent whom, when, where, and how often.
Metadata isn’t sensitive information; it’s simply information collected about you. So if you send an email to your friend, the NSA knows that you emailed him/her. But they don’t know any details about your conversation.
That said, you should still be careful about what you say online. Don’t use words or phrases that might trigger automated spam filters or cause your messages to go missing in cyberspace. And never share personal information (like credit card numbers) over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the transaction yourself.
Also, don’t post anything you wouldn’t want the NSA to see. This includes photos of family members, embarrassing videos, and anything else that may embarrass you later.
Be careful when using email
Email is great for communicating quickly and efficiently with your customers. But be careful not to use it too often because it can become spammy.
Spam is unsolicited commercial messages sent via email. Spammers send out millions of emails every day, hoping to catch a lucky recipient who opens them. They’re called spammers because they spam indiscriminately.
If you receive spam, report it to the appropriate authorities (e.g., Google) and delete the offending email. Don’t reply to spam; it only encourages the sender to continue sending unwanted messages.
Also, avoid clicking on any link within an email unless you are expecting it. Clicking on a link sends information back to the person who emailed you, allowing them to track your browsing habits. This makes it possible for them to sell your personal information to third parties.
Finally, never give out your password to anyone. Your email account may be compromised if someone gains access to your inbox.
Think before posting something on Facebook
Facebook is a great place to share information with friends and family. But when you post something online, there’s no guarantee that it won’t be seen by the National Security Agency (NSA).
That’s because the NSA collects metadata�information about who you’re communicating with, when you communicate, and where you’re communicating from. The agency uses this information to identify threats to national security.
If you’re concerned about whether your posts may end up in the hands of the NSA, consider taking these steps:
1) Use strong passwords and encryption software to protect sensitive information.
2) Don’t use public Wi-Fi hotspots to avoid leaving digital footprints.
3) Delete any personal information that isn’t necessary to complete your transaction.
4) Never give out your password to anyone.
5) Avoid sending messages containing financial information.
6) Keep your computer clean and free of malware.
7) Be careful about what apps you download.
8) Consider installing anti-virus software.
9) Turn off location services on your smartphone.
Beware of SMS messages
SMS messages are not secure. They’re sent over the airwaves, so anyone who wants to listen to them can. And because they’re unencrypted, they’re easily intercepted by hackers.
That means any information you send via SMS is open to snooping eyes. So be careful when sending sensitive information via SMS.
If you need to share confidential information, consider using encrypted messaging apps instead. Or use a VPN (virtual private network) app to encrypt your internet connection.
Considering all of these
It’s important to keep in mind that the government has access to everything we say and do online. But don’t worry; there are ways to protect yourself from being spied upon.