NSA review to leave spying programs largely unchanged, reports say | World news | The Guardian

NSA review to leave spying programs largely unchanged, reports say | World news | The Guardian:

A participant in a White House-sponsored review of surveillance activities described as “shameful” an apparent decision to leave most of the National Security Agency’s controversial bulk spying intact.

Sascha Meinrath, director of the Open Technology Institute, said Friday that the review panel he advised is at risk of missing an opportunity to restore confidence in US surveillance practices.

“The review group was searching for ways to make the most modest pivot necessary to continue business as usual,” Meinrath said.

Headed by the CIA’s former deputy director, Michael Morrell, the review is expected to deliver its report to President Barack Obama on Sunday, the White House confirmed, although it is less clear when and how substantially its report will be available to the public.

Barack Obama ordered the review of NSA surveillance in the wake of the Edward Snowden disclosures. Photograph: Rex Features