Table of Contents
The Secretive Government Surveillance Program: Data Analytical Services (DAS)
The Data Analytical Services (DAS), formerly known as Hemisphere, represents a far-reaching surveillance initiative that grants law enforcement agencies extensive access to a vast number of phone records. This program is not limited to individuals under investigation; it also encompasses a broad sweep that includes persons who are not suspected of any criminal activity. By using a method known as chain analysis, DAS expands its surveillance to involve individuals who have been in contact with those directly associated with a suspect. The execution of this program is in collaboration with AT&T, a leading telecommunications entity, giving law enforcement the ability to utilize AT&T's expansive network of infrastructure. Intriguingly, this initiative has received significant funding from the White House, highlighting the government's involvement in this extensive data-gathering endeavor.
Senator’s Inquiry and Legal Concerns
An important player in questioning the DAS program's legal standing is Senator Ron Wyden, who has openly expressed his apprehensions in a written communication to the Department of Justice. Senator Wyden's letter casts doubt on the program's adherence to the law and calls for further clarity regarding its operation. He points to confidential and sensitive information, which although not a threat to national security, has a secretive status and is restricted from public knowledge. The senator's stance represents a demand for greater transparency and an appeal for legislative action tailored to address existing privacy protection shortcomings.
Program Funding and Operation
Funding for the DAS program is substantial, with the White House injecting over six million dollars into its operation. Significantly, this financial support is channeled through the Office of National Drug Control Policy's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, which is typically exempt from mandatory assessments that could ensure privacy protections. This financial structure is essential in maintaining the program's operations, and provides insight into how DAS fits within the broader framework of government-sponsored activities.
Impact and Privacy Implications
The DAS program's ripple effect on privacy is further amplified by revelations from leaked documents that shed light on the program's scope and data retention practices. The engagement of a myriad of law enforcement agencies in training sessions to better leverage AT&T's offerings indicates a widespread institutional reliance on this intelligence gathering tool. Historical parallels to other surveillance programs and their legal evaluations have fueled the discourse about the program's privacy implications. Senator Wyden is at the forefront, advocating for legislative advancements that would expressly outlaw these kinds of invasive surveillance tactics, aiming to realign the balance between law enforcement objectives and individual privacy rights.
