PRISM
A NSA mass surveillance program exposed by Edward Snowden in 2013 that collected internet communications from major tech companies.
Documented record
Known Facts
PRISM was exposed by Edward Snowden in June 2013 through The Guardian and Washington Post.
The program collected internet communications from major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook.
The NSA collected emails, videos, photos, and VoIP chats under Section 702 of FISA.
The program operated under court orders from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC).
PRISM was one of several NSA surveillance programs revealed by Snowden.
The program was established in 2007 under the Protect America Act.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Snowden Leaks (2013)
PRIMARY SOURCEClassified documents provided by Edward Snowden revealing PRISM's scope.
SOURCE:Edward Snowden / The Guardian / Washington Post
FISA Court Orders
PRIMARY SOURCECourt orders authorizing PRISM collection under Section 702.
SOURCE:FISC / NSA
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
National Security Justification
ANALYSISIntelligence agencies argue PRISM is necessary to prevent terrorism.
SOURCE:NSA / Intelligence Community
Targeted Collection
ANALYSISOfficials claim collection is targeted at foreign intelligence targets, not Americans.
SOURCE:NSA statements
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
How many American communications were incidentally collected?
What safeguards exist to prevent abuse?
Has PRISM been used for purposes beyond counterterrorism?
What was the full role of tech companies in the program?
Chronological record
Timeline
PRISM established under Protect America Act.
PRISM renewed under FISA Amendments Act.
Edward Snowden exposes PRISM to the public.
Congressional reforms to surveillance programs.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
NSA appear in both.
2 organizations appear in both.
2 organizations appear in both.