Agencies vow to protect privacy
The heads of the three top US intelligence agencies said on Thursday they strive to protect US citizens' privacy in an evolving era of cybersecurity threats, electronic surveillance and concerns about government data-monitoring.
Since NSA contract systems analyst Edward Snowden leaked classified documents about the US data-gathering in May, lawmakers and average US citizens have re-engaged in debate over the boundaries between preventing terrorism and preserving their privacy rights.
Speaking at a cybersecurity conference, CIA Director John Brennan, FBI Director Robert Mueller and the NSA director, Gen Keith Alexander, didn't directly address the agency's programs that sweep up swaths of data on phone and Internet use. They spoke largely about malicious software attacks.
But when asked about privacy, Alexander said intelligence officials understand their charge is to protect the country and civil rights.
"No one has willfully or knowingly disobeyed the law or tried to invade your privacy."
AP
(China Daily 08/10/2013 page8)
