14 DAY TRIAL // Despite the international scandal that followed the Snowden leaks reaching the media and informing the world about NSA’s mass surveillance practices, it doesn’t seem like there’s been any fallout with the other nations that the US commonly spies on.
“The majority of the relationships that we have around the world with nation states, with the corporate sector, remain as they were before this—the majority. That’s not to say it hasn’t had an impact, and no one should think otherwise,” said Adm. Michael Rogers, the new director of the National Security Agency.
He admits, however, that there have been a few nations that have been very vocal and very visible in their frustration and unhappiness. Of course, that isn’t just an intelligence issue, so work needs to be done to fix things.
According to Signal, the Admiral has said that they’ve been working to create partnerships that generate valuable information for all parties involved, mentioning that data coming from the NSA is essential to defend citizens around the world.
“We have a level of capability and a reach that literally few, if any, can replicate,” he boasted. This is, of course, something that everyone knows thanks to Edward Snowden and no one likes due to the increased tendency to simply violate people’s privacy just because it’s possible.
Following the data leaks, the agency has taken some steps to make sure that such a thing never happens again, like restricting some behaviors normally used in the course of conducting the mission.
If anyone was wondering, Rogers’ stance on the Snowden issue is quite clear, and he considers that he performed a deliberate criminal act. “I tell the work force we need to focus on the mission, and we are not going to be defined by the criminal acts of one individual,” he said.
Rogers states that there’s a difference between making a mistake and a choice. In case one of the agents makes a mistake, then the agency will stand by them, but when they make a choice, they’ll be held accountable. “If you want to steal, that’s a choice. That’s not a mistake,” he states.
Overall, it doesn’t seem like the NSA has any intention to change its ways, which means that unless the US government doesn’t step in, people’s private lives will continue to be available to the watchful eye of the NSA agents.