Democratic Senator Tom Wyden has once again brought to light the government’s extensive surveillance of trillions of American phone records, often conducted without proper warrants.
Hemisphere Under Scrutiny
Senator Wyden urged the Justice Department to disclose information about the controversial Hemisphere phone surveillance program.
Legal or Ethical?
The initiative allowed various law enforcement agencies to access vast amounts of U.S. phone records, which has raised serious legal and ethical questions.
Classified Documents and the Call for Transparency
Unclassified documents containing troubling details about the dragnet phone surveillance program were at the center of the controversy.
Democracy Dies in the Dark
Senator Wyden called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to make these documents public, emphasizing the importance of transparency in a democratic society.
Hemisphere Program’s Unsettling Legal Status
While the documents are not classified, the Justice Department has labeled them “Law Enforcement Sensitive,” hindering their public release. Senator Wyden expressed concerns about the legality of the surveillance program and emphasized the need for an informed public debate.
Wyden’s Letter to Attorney General Garland
In a letter to Attorney General Garland, Senator Wyden underscored the significance of removing restrictions on the disclosed information. He highlighted the public interest in understanding and discussing the government’s surveillance practices, particularly regarding phone records.
Government’s Defense and Classified Sources
Senator Wyden acknowledged the government’s legitimate need to protect classified sources and methods but argued that the Hemisphere surveillance program is not classified. He contended that the public interest in informed debate outweighs the government’s desire to keep this information secret.
AT&T’s Involvement in Hemisphere Program
Under the Hemisphere program, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) indirectly compensated AT&T. This payment allowed various law enforcement agencies, at federal, state, local, or Tribal levels, to search AT&T customers’ phone records dating back to 1987, according to public records.
Controversy Beyond Partisan Lines
The concern raised by Senator Wyden about the Hemisphere program transcends party lines, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the issue. The scope and implications of the surveillance program prompt a unified call for transparency and accountability.
Serious Legal Concerns
Senator Wyden expressed serious doubts about the legality of the Hemisphere surveillance program, underscoring the need for a thorough examination of its implications on privacy and civil liberties.
Public Outrage Potential
According to Senator Wyden, the disclosed information in the unclassified documents can potentially outrage many Americans and members of Congress. The public interest in being informed about government surveillance practices precedes the desire to keep such information confidential.
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Senator Ron Wyden’s Advocacy for Transparency
Senator Ron Wyden, a key figure in advocating for transparency, called on the Justice Department to release information about the Hemisphere program. His efforts reiterated the importance of an open dialogue on government surveillance.
Government’s Acknowledgment in Federal Court
The Department of Justice has already acknowledged the existence of the Hemisphere surveillance program in federal court. Senator Wyden emphasized the need for an open debate, considering the non-classified nature of the program.
Historical Context: Surveillance Since 1987
The Hemisphere program’s access to phone records dating back to 1987 added a historical dimension to the surveillance controversy. Examining the program’s evolution provided insights into the development of government surveillance practices over the years.
Bipartisan Unity for Surveillance Reform
The Hemisphere surveillance program sparked bipartisan concern, so there is a growing call for comprehensive surveillance reform. The unity across party lines showed, if nothing else, the importance of addressing these issues.
The post Wyden Sheds Light on Hemisphere Program’s Trillions of Monitored American Phone Records first appeared on Wealthy Living.
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