That image is pretty accurate indeed
. But tbh, i dont see the problem regarding telephone (et al) companies and electronic intellience agencies (like the NSA) colluding. I was under the impression that the NSA had been 'in bed' with (at least american) telcos since the second world war, and most/all new telecommunications technology has been developed with intercepting the transmissions in mind. Thus, to me there is no surprise whatsoever that they are co-operating. I would go so far as to say that its a good thing. Why? well, i dont particularly care about my own electronic privacy much at all - mainly because it is simply a myth, but more fundamentally because what i have on my machine and anyhting that i am sending is absolutely useless to anyone who is listening in. I mean, who really gives a damn about a report on Edgeworth Boxes and their application to welfare economics in accordance with the work of Amartya Sen? Its not overly interesting to me as a student of economics, let alone a signals intelligence unit. Sending emails like 'oi, i'm just informing you that there's a cocktail night on this friday which you
will be attending' might perk their interest momentarily, but again who really cares? What does it matter if the message is intercepted/decoded/read? Provided the message gets to where it is going, i'm not fussed.
I dont see why americans (in particular) get so worked up by personal privacy and electronic security. I would have thought a much better place to start would be with civilian arms control (if you forgive the contradiction in terms) in order to improve the
life, liberty and freedom of people.
my thoughts, anyway.
Edit: besides, wouldnt AT&T et al be under some "official secrets" directive under the guise of "national security" to keep their relations with the NSA and the information that is exchanged under as much obsfucation as possible?