Guardian: Microsoft assisted NSA in snooping on users

[ugahairydawgs]

Microsoft has collaborated closely with US intelligence services to allow users' communications to be intercepted, including helping the National Security Agency to circumvent the company's own encryption, according to top-secret documents obtained by the Guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/11/microsoft-nsa-collaboration-user-data

 

[roadbloc]

I'd be surprised if any company involved didn't help. Even though they're all now trying to run away from the NSA, tucking their junk back into their trousers and attempting to zip up before anybody notices.

 

[jcpb]

1. You are required to assist the NSA, or your future business with the government is on the line.
2. You are not allowed to talk about your assistance to the NSA, thanks to FISA.

 

[GermanyChris]

I'll bet MS didn't offer their assistance they were probably made an "offer they couldn't refuse"

It's been a good few months to be a Linux user

 

[smoledman]

This is devastating to Microsoft if indeed they are giving blanket access to Skype & Outlook while Apple & Google are fighting for their user's privacy rights tooth & nail.

 

[G51989]

This is devastating to Microsoft if indeed they are giving blanket access to Skype & Outlook while Apple & Google are fighting for their user's privacy rights tooth & nail.

I think theres a very good chance that Microsoft was basically forced to help the NSA. As Apple and Google will eventually be forced to help them as well, probably via blackmail.

I would surmise that Microsoft was there and targeted first, because they've been big a lot longer.

 

[maflynn]

This is devastating to Microsoft

No it isn't, I think the general public beyond the devastation aspect of the NSA spying on its citizens. My point is it will only have negligible effect on the company. I'm not MS isn't alone in providing the data either

 

[smoledman]

I think theres a very good chance that Microsoft was basically forced to help the NSA. As Apple and Google will eventually be forced to help them as well, probably via blackmail.

I would surmise that Microsoft was there and targeted first, because they've been big a lot longer.

Uh no, Microsoft was the first to sign up in 2009 and apparently went out of their way to provide blanket access to all cloud services. Unlike Apple/Twitter who are fighting tooth & nail to protect our privacy.

 

[roadbloc]

Uh no, Microsoft was the first to sign up in 2009 and apparently went out of their way to provide blanket access to all cloud services. Unlike Apple/Twitter who are fighting tooth & nail to protect our privacy.

Source?

 

[smoledman]

Source?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/07/12/report-microsoft-nsa/2511857/

 

[roadbloc]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/07/12/report-microsoft-nsa/2511857/

Uh no, Microsoft was the first to sign up in 2009 and apparently went out of their way to provide blanket access to all cloud services. Unlike Apple/Twitter who are fighting tooth & nail to protect our privacy.

Both your source and the Guardian do not mention the bold bit. Where is the proof that Apple and Twitter have been fighting it tooth and nail? Because I was under the impression it probably sorta compulsory.

Despite denying it, all of these companies probably had to go out of their way to provide information for the NSA. And they're probably not allowed to talk about it.