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US Spies Surf Internet for Open Secrets

Posted Apr 1, 08 12:56 PM CDT in Technology 

(Newser) – Where do America’s spies go to get their most useful information? The Internet, mostly. Intelligence reports are increasingly filled with “open-source intelligence,” or information that’s available to nearly anyone, USA Today reports. The much-publicized December report on Iran’s nuclear program, for example, relied heavily on public photos from Iran’s Natanz nuclear reactor. Details like the size of certain pipes gave spies crucial insight.

“A lot of what we know about our adversaries comes from statements and videos they put on the Internet,” said a former national security adviser. Some believe 90% of our intelligence could come from open sources, once spies fully commit. “"There's still a cult of secrecy,” complained one former intelligence officer. “Nothing is seen as important unless it’s classified.”

Source USA Today

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Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility is seen in this March 30, 2005 file photo. Spies gleaned insights from readily-available photos in preparing their latest intelligence estimate on Iran.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)
Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell speaks at the DNI Open Source Conference , Tuesday, July 17, 2007 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
This satellite image shows Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility in a June 26, 2007 photo. US intelligence agencies are increasingly relying on readily available sources, like satellite photos.   (AP Photo)
An Iranian helicopter flies over an anti-aircraft gun at the Natanz uranium enrichment facilities in this March 30, 2005 file photo. Who knows, spies could be using this very photo right now.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)
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Internet  • national security  • Central Intelligence Agency  • spying  • classified information  • spies  • intelligence agencies


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