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NSA Spying Branches Out

Domestic calls, email, financial transactions under scrutiny—all without a warrant

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 10, 2008 2:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – Traditionally charged with foreign surveillance, the NSA has increasingly been analyzing data collected domestically, reports the Wall Street Journal—on a scale comparable to that of a Pentagon proposal Congress killed 5 years ago. "When it got taken apart, it didn't get thrown away," says a former government insider. The NSA can track email, Internet searches, calls, banking, and travel info, all without warrants.

One senator dismissed privacy concerns, saying there has been "ample opportunity for debate" behind closed doors, but others expressed concern about the NSA overstepping its bounds domestically. And though the NSA itself maintains its focus is still abroad, the lines blur in the digital arena.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden in a file photo dated Monday, Sept. 17, 2007. Wyden opposed a government wiretapping program. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden in a file photo dated Monday, Sept. 17, 2007. Wyden opposed a government wiretapping program. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)   (Associated Press)
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) building in Fort Meade, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) building in Fort Meade, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)   (Associated Press)
President Bush stands with Attorney General Michael Mukasey as he speaks to the National Association of Attorneys General, where he discussed warrant less wiretapping and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Monday, March 3, 2008, at the Eisenhower Executive Office building in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Bush stands with Attorney General Michael Mukasey as he speaks to the National Association of Attorneys General, where he discussed warrant less wiretapping and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance...   (Associated Press)
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