01.08.2013, 00:45
I know theres already a thread about prism, but as guardian just released information about a far wider reaching system, called XKeyscore, it deserves an own thread in my opinion, as theres all different stuff to discuss.
So, prism collects metadata, thats why most people say it isnt that bad, because it doesnt actually collect the content and the communication, but is just like reading the envelope of a letter. XKeyscore is the next step. It opens the envelope and reads the letter. Actually, it completely stores any kind of digital communication of millions of people worldwide. Browser history, Emails and sent files, chats, whatever else. Communications automatically get assigned to specific persons, internet activitiy of a certain person can be followed live any time. 20 terabytes of data, 1-2 billion records, are stored daily on hundreds of servers all over the world (and just a very few of these are located in the usa). The amount of data is the only technical bottleneck, as data can just be stored for some time between 7-30 days.
XKeyscore is especially designed to get detailled information about a specific people out of millions. Check the original presentation for some example queries to see what it actually can do. To name some: Show me all encrypted VPN startups and decrypt their users. Show me all encrypted word documents from iran/with reference to X. Show me all exploitable machines in country X
Alright then, this is global observation. Not to mention that this program is free to use and does NOT require any kind of authorization, like from a court, and has already been used in millions of cases.
German institutions confessed that they are using xkeystore, but they claimed "it isnt by far as mighty as prism is" (while they earlier claimed they are using another program called "prism" that got the same functions and also access to nsa databases, but isnt the "usa prism"), us government also said they "arent reading our email" before, theres some damn trouble coming for some governments now.
Rather offtopic, I noticed something interesting: PROBABLY-NSA-GOT-AN-EYE-ON-ME-FOR-UPLOADING-THIS.jpg
Whats up with those servers located straight on the south? I doubt they are there by mistake, but it is interesting that they are located in a straight line, even in the ocean. Almost looks like they got a set of large datacenters down there.
No USA hate posts or other shit, just discussion here please.
So, prism collects metadata, thats why most people say it isnt that bad, because it doesnt actually collect the content and the communication, but is just like reading the envelope of a letter. XKeyscore is the next step. It opens the envelope and reads the letter. Actually, it completely stores any kind of digital communication of millions of people worldwide. Browser history, Emails and sent files, chats, whatever else. Communications automatically get assigned to specific persons, internet activitiy of a certain person can be followed live any time. 20 terabytes of data, 1-2 billion records, are stored daily on hundreds of servers all over the world (and just a very few of these are located in the usa). The amount of data is the only technical bottleneck, as data can just be stored for some time between 7-30 days.
XKeyscore is especially designed to get detailled information about a specific people out of millions. Check the original presentation for some example queries to see what it actually can do. To name some: Show me all encrypted VPN startups and decrypt their users. Show me all encrypted word documents from iran/with reference to X. Show me all exploitable machines in country X
Alright then, this is global observation. Not to mention that this program is free to use and does NOT require any kind of authorization, like from a court, and has already been used in millions of cases.
German institutions confessed that they are using xkeystore, but they claimed "it isnt by far as mighty as prism is" (while they earlier claimed they are using another program called "prism" that got the same functions and also access to nsa databases, but isnt the "usa prism"), us government also said they "arent reading our email" before, theres some damn trouble coming for some governments now.
Rather offtopic, I noticed something interesting: PROBABLY-NSA-GOT-AN-EYE-ON-ME-FOR-UPLOADING-THIS.jpg
Whats up with those servers located straight on the south? I doubt they are there by mistake, but it is interesting that they are located in a straight line, even in the ocean. Almost looks like they got a set of large datacenters down there.
No USA hate posts or other shit, just discussion here please.