NSA to disclose its relationship with Google? Um, No.

Way back in February 2010 Google and the NSA seemed to team-up to “help Google defend its systems (and thus your information) from future attacks” shortly after Google admitted that its systems had been (allegedly) compromised by Chinese hackers. Of course, no one said anything official. 

Now, a judge has agreed that the NSA neither has to confirm nor deny any ties to Google. The nonprofit Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) “had sought documents under the FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] because such an agreement could reveal that the NSA is developing technical standards that would enable greater surveillance of Internet users.” More here.

Now, the merits of EPIC’s suit are one thing to talk about. However, it’s different to have the largest data-monger in the world nestling up with the one of the most powerful surveillance agencies in the world.

If it’s all for Google’s protection, that’s awesome and both parties should be able to come out and say something about it (aka-transparency). But hiding behind legalese isn’t going to help change NSA’s image of not really wanting to improve anything, just keep an eye on *everything*

- Jake Perry