NSA Acknowledges Buying Internet Browsing Records, Sparking Privacy Debate

Last week, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) has confessed to acquiring internet browsing records from data brokers to identify Americans' online activities, a process that would typically require a court order.

"The U.S. government should not be funding and legitimizing a shady industry whose flagrant violations of Americans' privacy are not just unethical, but illegal," Wyden expressed in a letter to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Avril Haines.

He urged the government to take measures to "ensure that U.S. intelligence agencies only purchase data on Americans that has been obtained in a lawful manner."

Wyden emphasized the potential privacy risks associated with metadata on users' browsing habits. Such information could be exploited to uncover personal details based on the frequented websites, including those related to mental health resources, support for survivors of sexual assault or domestic abuse, and telehealth providers specializing in birth control or abortion medication.

In response to Wyden's inquiries, the NSA asserted that it has established compliance measures and takes steps to minimize the collection of U.S. person information. The agency claims to acquire only the most relevant data aligned with mission requirements.

However, the NSA clarified that it does not purchase or utilize location data from phones used in the U.S. without a court order. Furthermore, it stated that it does not utilize location information obtained from vehicle telematics systems within the country.

The revelation is yet another indication that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are purchasing potentially sensitive data from companies that would necessitate a court order to acquire directly from communication companies. In early 2021, it was revealed the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was buying and using domestic location data collected from smartphones via commercial data brokers.