Vodafone's Unprecedented Report Reveals Extent of Gov't Snooping

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Image: Franklin Reyes/Associated Press

By The Associated Press2014-06-06 07:49:19 -0400

LONDON — Vodafone, one of the world's largest cellphone companies, has revealed the scope of government snooping into phone networks, saying authorities in some countries are able to directly access an operator's network.

The company outlined the details in its 40,000-word Law Enforcement Disclosure report that is described as the first of its kind, covering 29 countries in which it directly operates.

In reference to metadata, the company pointed out that it's possible to "learn a great deal about an individual’s movements, interests and relationships" from studying this information. Vodafone said Friday that in a small number of countries, authorities "must have direct access to an operator's network."

In a small number of countries, agencies and authorities have direct access to communications data stored within an operator’s network. In those countries, Vodafone will not receive any form of demand for communications data access as the relevant agencies and authorities already have permanent access to customer communications via their own direct link.

The findings will heap anxiety on civil rights advocates already alarmed by the revelations of former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, who revealed several top-secret programs the agency uses to collect information on everyone from American citizens to world leaders.

This is a developing story that we will continue to update...