Reports on leaked source code for , the NSA's expansive surveillance tool, reveal that the system automatically targets and "fingerprints" users who simply search for or use privacy-enhancing tools. Key Findings from Leaked Code Investigations by German media outlets Tagesschau
: The leaked code revealed that the NSA was programmatically flagging anyone who searched for or downloaded privacy tools like the Tor Browser operating system. Extreme Labeling : The code demonstrated that simply visiting the Tor Project website or reading tech publications like Linux Journal could cause the NSA to label a user as an "extremist". Server Surveillance : One specific rule identified the IP address 212.212.245.170 xkeyscore source code exclusive
Protocol Support: Snippets confirmed that XKeyscore could perform "federated queries" using keywords against the body text of emails, chats, and spreadsheets in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and Chinese. Reports on leaked source code for , the
"Fingerprints" (Selection Rules): The "code" released consists largely of fingerprints—rules that contain search terms or regular expressions. For example: Searching for users visiting the Tor Project website. Identifying IP addresses of Tor "directory authorities." Tracking specific .onion addresses. Server Surveillance : One specific rule identified the
NSA Press Statement in response to allegations about NSA operations
What is XKeyscore?