The technology giants of the world are seeking more transparency from the U.S. National Security Agency. Amid rising scrutiny over how the American government is handling the digital privacy of its citizens, AllThingsD reports a coalition of major companies and organizations within the tech and non-profit world will issue a joint letter to the U.S. government on Thursday.
Image Source: Associated Press
Specifically, the alliance will level two overriding requests at the government. First, the co-signers of the letter would like the ability to regularly report the number of government requests for user data, the number of specific individuals involved in those requests, and how many of those requests ask for specific subscriber data or communications.
Secondly, the letter will ask the U.S. government to provide its own transparency about requesting user information.
"We seek permission for the same information to be made available regarding the government’s national security–related authorities," reads a portion of the letter. "This information about how and how often the government is using these legal authorities is important to the American people, who are entitled to have an informed public debate about the appropriateness of those authorities and their use."
Among the 65 corporations, investment firms, and non-profit organizations to sign the letter are some of the largest names in tech. Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, Tumblr, and AOL are all named as supporters.
A week ago, a report surfaced alleging Microsoft had willingly handed over access to private communications within a range of its services to the NSA, including Skype and SkyDrive data. Microsoft subsequently issued a report denying any such agreement with the U.S. government.
Matt Clark is a freelance writer covering the world of videogames, tech, and popular culture. Follow him on Twitter @ClarkMatt and MyIGN at Matt_Clark.
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