The NSA (National Security Agency) is a national-level intelligence agency responsible for monitoring, collecting, and processing information or data for foreign and domestic intelligence purposes. Established in 1952, it collaborates with the CIA to gather comprehensive intelligence. Numerous conspiracies allege that the government secretly accesses our accounts to collect personal data without citizens’ consent. It has been revealed that in some developed countries, such as the United States, the NSA or other government agencies do work together to collect and analyze personal data stored on servers. Despite its questionable legality, many governments continue this practice for various security reasons. Some argue that this surveillance is not indiscriminate and only targets individuals suspected of terrorism, weapons trafficking, and other anti-governmental activities online. However, the revelation that personal information was being accessed without warrants or notification angered many citizens.
When and why did this conspiracy begin? What are the theories widely accepted by the public? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions.
Conspiracy Theory – Social medias provide information to the NSA:
Fact: yes, it is true
- The US Intelligence community has acknowledged that large online platforms like Google assist the NSA in gathering information about citizens. Data breaches become a significant threat in an increasingly internet-dependent world. Most apps on our mobile devices request extensive permissions upon installation, including access to contacts, location, gallery, and even media. Granting such broad access can easily make individuals targets of surveillance.
- Conspiracy theorists claim that popular applications like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube collect our information and transmit it to surveillance agencies. They also believe that these agencies have direct and constant access to our data. Regular social media usage allows these platforms to compile a wealth of personal information. We live in an era where the internet facilitates almost every aspect of life, from shopping to dating, often reducing the need for physical interaction. As people tend to grant extensive access to their personal data, the vulnerability to data breaches increases. Whether it’s contacts, pictures, or bank account details, almost everything is susceptible to being stolen. Recently, in 2021, WhatsApp users expressed concerns that updating the application would allow the NSA direct access to their data. However, this particular theory was later debunked, with government assurances that surveillance efforts are targeted.
Conspiracy Theory – PRISM is a hoax:
Fact: No, it is not true
- PRISM is a program that enables the NSA to collect data from targeted individuals. Initiated in 2007, its existence became widely known six years later when revealed by a former NSA contractor. The revelation sparked numerous conspiracies linking PRISM and the NSA. Articles in publications like The Guardian and The Washington Post criticized PRISM, arguing that accessing personal data without a warrant is an invasion of privacy. This public outcry confirms the existence of PRISM. The government continues to employ surveillance programs, citing their effectiveness in combating terrorism and criminal activities. A 2005 survey indicated that 90% of people believed no such program existed. However, by 2011, almost 76% of the population seemed to believe in its existence.
- Why did some people conclude that PRISM was a hoax? Many initially found the program unbelievable. Some claimed that the PRISM graphic appeared unprofessional, and the acronym’s definition was not readily available. Others argued that phone tapping and acquiring the data of every individual seemed logistically impossible.
- Initially, many government officials denied the program’s existence due to its classified nature, but its reality was brought to light by the NSA contractor. During a visit to Germany, Barack Obama stated that the NSA gathers data to protect citizens from criminal activities, implicitly acknowledging the program.
Conspiracy Theory – NSA is tracking us through the webcams:
Fact: No, it is not true
- Many conspiracy theorists believe that the government monitors every action of citizens, with some specifically claiming surveillance through webcams.
- This theory gained significant traction, leading many individuals to cover their webcams when not in use. Gaming systems like Xbox One, which have cameras, raised concerns about potential recording and storage of images by government agencies. Some also suspected that games like Pokémon Go track and collect user data, which could then be accessed by the NSA. However, this theory has been deemed false, as government surveillance is reportedly targeted and not conducted through indiscriminate webcam access.
Conspiracy Theory – NSA involved in phone tapping:
Fact: yes, it is partially true
Following the disclosure by a former NSA employee that the call records and data of millions of people were being stored, many worldwide accused the government of illegitimate data acquisition. According to the appeal by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, the court ruled that the program was unlawful and an invasion of citizens’ privacy. Investigations revealed the existence of millions of call records. Despite this, US intelligence leaders publicly maintained that the program was intended to protect citizens. This theory is partially true because while widespread, indiscriminate phone tapping of innocent citizens is illegal and has been challenged in court, targeted surveillance, including phone tapping, is conducted under specific legal frameworks for individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism or activities against the government. The government denies storing records of innocent individuals and asserts that phone tapping is only employed when individuals are implicated in terrorist activities or actions deemed detrimental to national security.
Oh you think cellphones are bad wait till you learn what the NSA and CIA do!
Seriously statements like these are silly.. like no one is that ignorant to what cellphones and tech providers do with our information. Unlike what tech company’s do, people can actually have the power to stop local law enforcement from doing things like this, which we are pretty much powerless when it comes to the tech industry. Furthermore it’s ridiculous to make a statment like that posting to social media.. from a mobile device, like oh we are all the idiots here, I forgot you send all your Reddit comments to Reddits corporate HQ via courier pigeon.
Well, Ursula, no. Not any more bullshit than the claim that the NSA is spying on your neighbor Steve or your mailman, Jim. The NSA spies on everyone, despite it clearly being illegal per the fourth Amendment. They do it through laptop cameras, webcams, traffic light cameras, surveillance cameras, and also track you through your electronic devices. That’s right- when you turn your location on (and even mostly when you don’t) you’re giving the Government unfettered access to your location, not just the company that manufactures the phone and app. The NSA tracks and watches you constantly, like a toddler being watched from the next room by a nanny cam.
Have you ever watched interviews with Edward Snowden? The NSA has the ability to turn on any camera or microphone in almost any electronic device. When they do it though, it’s because you are a target for something else, like involvement in some sort of major crime typically.
I’m not gonna name the company, but I worked for one of the biggest tech companies in the world from home. They were able to turn your cameras and microphones on and off at will to monitor their employees. Employees caught wind of it and that function was supposedly turned off due to privacy concerns and violations since some managers were even snooping on people and their family’s on non work hours when the employees left their computers on
Unfortunately you can’t choose most of the times. For example, if you want to use a smartphone. There are a few options: iPhone, Android with Google service, Huawei’s Harmony OS. Apple and Google are known to provide backdoor access for government (Snowden). Huawei can’t be any better either. You can basically assume whatever you’ve done with your phone is shared with the company and government agencies.
Similarly, it’s hard for us to say no to some messaging services. For example, WhatsApp’s controversial policy change which allows them to share your information and meta data with Facebook. And without saying which social media company, there are some social medias that are selling consolidated anonymous messages to marketers or anyone interested in the data.