"We are all heard by the ear Grande»
The former head of the CIA for Italy Cannistraro: I do not think that Rome may have been spared
"Can I tell you a few things. The director of the National Security Agency and one or two of his deputy will be replaced before long: I understand that in principle Obama has already decided. And the use of "Megadata," the NSA's electronic surveillance system will be strictly controlled: as regards Europe, the President wants it to be applied only to counter-terrorism and does not spill over into the political or economic espionage. Obama has had enough of the scandals and cares about the integrity of the Atlantic Alliance. Other countries, including Italy, will have to help him. I do not know whether it is known to you, but Italy produces systems similar to ours and sells them to third parties. They are very sophisticated systems and your government, which is aware of their sale, will make sure that does not end up in the hands of potential enemies. There is an urgent need for global regulation of these products and their use. "
On the phone from Washington, Vincent Cannistraro says that with the mass electronic data collection "there is more privacy and there is no longer secret," and that it is now time to protect from "eavesdropping universal" citizens, businesses and nations . The former director of the Italian CIA intelligence of the Security Council of the White House in Washington defends and counter the appeal to the 'Megadata "by the NSA, but admits that lends itself" to abuse and harassment » . "The progress of these technologies extreme - notes - we were caught unprepared. We can be heard, read and seen 24 hours 24. What's more, we ignore almost everything electronic clandestine wars that are currently in progress. Five years ago it was not so. "
Let's start with Italy. It was intercepted tens of millions of times like France?
"I do not know. But you must realize that "Megadata" is a global interception system that is triggered when the computer read certain names or numbers, they hear certain sounds, see certain images, etc.. Not only once so alerted, "Megadata" can select the countries to focus on for some time. I liken it to a vacuum planetary heads automatically where it is needed. If it is true that the NSA spy also on governments and industries, something which I'm not sure, I do not think that Rome, and even Washington, could have been spared. "
She knows Italian systems similar to "Megadata"?
"Yes, and I know who produces them, but I can not tell you. It is obvious that is used to intercept, the scandals are not missed even in Italy, but are also exported. And this could become a problem. Do you remember the so-called Cocom of the Cold War, the Coordinating Committee? It was established by America and Europe to prevent the supply of hi-tech products most advanced in the Soviet bloc. Today it takes something against countries outlaw. And like I said, we also need a reasonable regulation, which is shared by all, very difficult undertaking. "
What do you mean by electronic clandestine wars?
"Especially those among the great powers, such as America and China or America and Russia. But unfortunately sometimes battles take place even among allies. No one is without sin. Who can guarantee that occasionally such as the command headquarters General English, which is the height of our NSA, not intercept the communications of other European countries? Not to mention the private spy. Perhaps the term is excessive, but it is a fact that servers like Google knows a lot about us. No coincidence that Europe has set their limits. "
How Obama is moving?
"Obama wants the NSA operates in full legality and with well-defined objectives, which will prevent violations of privacy and state secrecy of the allies, which does not lend itself to operations that have nothing to do with the defense of America. He knows that otherwise would suffer the relationship between our intelligence agencies and those Europeans who so far has been excellent, and are aware of each of the activities of the other and vice versa. "Megadata" was created solely to defeat terrorism, but it is clear that is also used for other, although not with the frequency and magnitude of which you accuse us. "
The Congress agreed?
"Not really. The intelligence committees of the House and Senate, where there are former FBI agents and former military spalleggiano the NSA. For the majority of their members to combat terrorism justifies almost everything. But it is wrong, "Megadata" is essential to fight terrorism, but its use must be selective. I do not think that the commissions are welcomed to the reform of the National Security that the president has in mind and the replacement of General Keith Alexander, its director. However, Obama will prevail. "
There will then be a crisis of confidence between America and Europe?
"I think not. Democracy is rooted from us and from you, and what unites us is much more important than what divides us. Gradually all together we will take the appropriate measures to harness the big brothers electronic. Resign ourselves to the reality of the digital age, however. Once he warned: "Shut up, the enemy is listening." Now he also warns: "The friend is listening." Even our conversation may be intercepted. But that is not the case to be silent, indeed. "
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October 23, 2013
