#Intelligence community

[davidaugust]

[thefreethoughtprojectcom]

A lot of questions remain unanswered about how much the ever-tightening relationship between private AI and for-profit automated decision making systems will impact much needed transparency and accountability.

Read More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/news/the-u-s-national-security-state-is-here-to-make-ai-even-less-transparent-and-accountable

#TheFreeThoughtProject

[trumpnewsinternational]

Intelligence Community Warns on Election Day Eve that Russia Is Conducting ‘Additional Influence Operations’.

The intelligence community issued a public statement on the eve of the 2024 election to warn that foreign adversaries — “particularly Russia” — were conducting additional influence operations “intended to undermine public confidence in the integrity of the U.S. elections.”

The statement, by the Biden Administration Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, released Monday said:

Since our statement on Friday, the IC has been observing foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, conducting additional influence operations intended to undermine public confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections and stoke divisions among Americans. The IC expects these activities will intensify through election day and in the coming weeks, and that foreign influence narratives will focus on swing states.

[idroolinmysleep]

A few months ago, as a debate was heating up over whether to renew an FBI surveillance authority known as Section 702, I was looking for an unsealed court document from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC). I asked a colleague if FISC had a website where I could find these opinions. “Oh, that’s easy,” my colleague said. “Just check their Tumblr.” Sure enough, I found the document on the Tumblr in question: “IC on the Record,” a website “created at the direction of the President of the United States and maintained by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence,” which promised “direct access to factual information related to the lawful foreign surveillance activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community.” How did the Office of the Director of National Intelligence—a senior-level agency representing the entire intelligence community including the CIA and the National Security Agency—come to host some of the most important docs on a platform better known for cat gifs, LGBTQ+ discourse, and indie sleaze? And why, 10 years later, after the internet moved beyond the cat gifs, Tumblr alienated its queer communities, and Gen Z went through a cycle of Tumblr-aesthetic nostalgia, is the government still in its Tumblr era?

There are a number of government agencies that I follow here on Tumblr, so I shouldn't be surprised to learn (ten years late) that the U.S. intelligence community has an account too, but I am.

[absoluteboredome]

Esoteric Foreign Affairs Office

C.I.A

[nationallawreview]

FY 2025 NDAA Includes Biotechnology Provisions

The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology announced on December 18, 2024, that the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act includes “a suite of recommendations designed to galvanize action on biotechnology” for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). According to the Commission, the bill includes new authorities and requirements — derived from its May 2024 proposals —…

[tmarshconnors]

FISA

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), passed in 1978, represents a cornerstone of American national security and intelligence law. Born out of an era of Cold War tensions and heightened awareness of the need for intelligence oversight, FISA established the framework for surveilling foreign agents and other national security threats within the United States while balancing those actions with the protection of civil liberties. In recent decades, however, FISA has often sparked intense debates, especially as technology has evolved and the boundaries of surveillance have shifted.

A Brief History: The Origins of FISA

FISA emerged in the wake of a series of public revelations during the 1970s concerning widespread abuse by the government in surveilling American citizens. The Church Committee, a Senate investigation into intelligence practices, uncovered decades of unauthorised surveillance of civil rights activists, journalists, and political figures. These discoveries led to a recognition that greater oversight of the intelligence community was essential.

In response, FISA was passed to ensure that intelligence agencies had a legal pathway to conduct surveillance on foreign targets, particularly when those targets might be communicating with individuals inside the United States. However, FISA also placed critical safeguards to prevent this surveillance from infringing on the rights of American citizens. It created the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), a secretive court responsible for approving or denying government requests for surveillance of foreign agents within U.S. borders.

How FISA Works: Key Provisions

FISA is focused on protecting U.S. national security by regulating surveillance that targets foreign powers or their agents. This is typically understood to mean individuals or groups who are suspected of espionage or terrorism. There are three key components to how FISA operates:

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC): This special court reviews requests by federal agencies, like the FBI or NSA, to authorise electronic surveillance or physical searches of foreign targets suspected of engaging in espionage or terrorism. The FISC’s proceedings are classified, and its judges serve as a safeguard, ensuring that there is a legal basis for the requested surveillance.

Warrants and Approvals: Under FISA, agencies must demonstrate probable cause to the FISC that the target of surveillance is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power. If approved, the warrant permits electronic surveillance, such as phone taps or data collection.

Amendments and Extensions: FISA has evolved over the years through a series of amendments. One of the most notable is the Patriot Act of 2001, passed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Patriot Act expanded FISA’s reach, allowing broader surveillance powers, including the ability to surveil communications involving individuals with suspected ties to terrorism, even if they are American citizens. Later amendments, such as the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, introduced controversial provisions like Section 702, which allows the government to collect communications of foreign targets without a warrant, so long as the targets are outside of the U.S.

FISA and Civil Liberties: Controversies and Criticisms

Since its inception, FISA has walked a fine line between protecting national security and safeguarding individual rights. Critics have often expressed concern about the secretive nature of the FISC and the lack of transparency surrounding its rulings. While the court is designed to ensure that surveillance is justified, it operates behind closed doors, and the public rarely knows when a surveillance request is made, or why it was approved.

The expanded powers introduced by the Patriot Act and the subsequent rise of mass digital surveillance programs (like PRISM, revealed by Edward Snowden in 2013) further ignited debates over privacy rights. Section 702, in particular, has drawn scrutiny for allowing warrantless collection of communications that may involve U.S. citizens, raising concerns that the government could overreach, accessing private data without proper oversight.

Moreover, the "backdoor searches" problem—where the government queries databases for U.S. person information collected under foreign intelligence authorities—has fuelled arguments that FISA could be used to erode Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches.

FISA in the Digital Age: The Ongoing Debate

As technology has evolved, so too has the nature of intelligence collection. In a world where most communication takes place via the internet, the lines between foreign and domestic surveillance have blurred. The original framework of FISA, crafted in the late 1970s, didn’t anticipate the global, interconnected nature of digital communications. Modern surveillance technologies, like metadata collection and algorithmic analysis, are far more invasive than wiretapping a phone line.

The question now facing lawmakers and the public is whether FISA and its amendments need to be overhauled to adapt to this new landscape. Proponents of reform argue that the current structure allows for too much surveillance without adequate oversight or accountability, leaving room for potential abuses of power. They call for greater transparency in FISC proceedings and tighter restrictions on the use of surveillance on U.S. persons. Meanwhile, national security experts warn that any efforts to rein in FISA could hinder the ability of intelligence agencies to detect and thwart threats in a fast-moving, digital world.

The Balancing Act Between Security and Privacy

FISA remains a vital tool for protecting the United States from foreign threats, but its broader implications for civil liberties continue to provoke debate. The challenge lies in striking a balance between ensuring national security and upholding the privacy rights of individuals. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding surveillance will likely only intensify, making FISA a topic of ongoing relevance for policymakers, civil libertarians, and citizens alike.

As for me, I’m a bit OCD when it comes to my own privacy. I believe it's a fundamental right that shouldn’t be compromised, no matter the justification. The idea of being under constant surveillance by tech giants like Microsoft or government agencies like the NSA and CIA makes me uneasy. I can’t shake the feeling that, with so much power and so little transparency, these entities could easily overstep boundaries. Trust is something I don’t give lightly—especially when it comes to protecting my personal information.

Sources:

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (1978)

The USA Patriot Act (2001)

The FISA Amendments Act (2008)

Church Committee Hearings (1975)

[ryandjaxon]

Intelligence Community: Let’s reassess our priorities! “Israel Is Not Worth An American Life Or An American Dollar” - Michael Scheuer, Fmr. Head CIA Bin Laden Unit. It’s time to question the status quo and put American interests first.

[unassailablesolution]

Government Audio Visual Solutions

Unassailable Solutions LLC specializes in audio-visual solutions for government entities, addressing the distinctive design and solution requirements of heavily regulated private and public sectors. Our team comprises esteemed leaders with diverse backgrounds, including finance, civilian government, government law enforcement agencies, military, and the Intelligence Community. Comprised of highly regarded audio-visual professionals, our team boasts over 15 years of experience in designing and implementing integrated audio-visual systems for government applications. Additionally, our Professional Services team possesses profound expertise in data visualization and content sharing within controlled environments, along with extensive experience in project management, Agile Methodologies, and Lean Six Sigma practices.

[theambitiouswoman]

Green Flags in Communication 💚💬

"I want to know when I hurt your feelings."

This shows they are willing to understand and acknowledge the impact of their actions.

"I don't want you to feel alone in this."

This shows empathy and indicates that the person is supportive and does not want the person to deal with issues alone.

"I've been struggling with ___”

This demonstrates vulnerability and trust, as the person is open about their struggles.

"How have you been feeling about ___? I know it's been on your mind a lot."

This shows concern for the other person's issues or worries, showing that they are listening and care about what's important to the other person.

"I feel __ when you __; are you open to trying __ next time?"

This is an example of constructive communication.

"What do you need from me when this happens with your family?"

This shows awareness and sensitivity to the persons family dynamics and a willingness to provide support.

"I appreciate when you ___.”

Expressing appreciation is vital for positive reinforcement and acknowledging the efforts and qualities of the other person.

"I didn't handle that well."

This is a sign of self-awareness and accountability, recognizing one's own mistakes and being open to learning and growth.

"I'm sorry, I was wrong to say that. I'll try to be more mindful in the future."

Shows you are able to apologize genuinely and a commitment to improving behavior.

"Tell me more about that; I'm really interested in hearing your perspective."

Indicates a genuine interest in the other person's thoughts and feelings.

"I noticed you seemed a bit off today. Is everything okay?"

It shows you are attentive to the other person's emotional state and a readiness to provide support.

"I'm here for you, no matter what you need."

Offers unconditional support, creating a sense of security in the relationship.

"I love how passionate you are about your hobbies. It's inspiring to see."

Expresses admiration for the other person's interests.

"Let's work on a solution together. What do you think would be fair?"

Focusing on collaboration rather than conflict.

"I trust your judgment on this."

Trust and respect for the other person's decision-making abilities.

"Your happiness is important to me. Let's make sure you're taking time for yourself."

Prioritizes the other person's happiness and emphasizes the importance of self care.

"It's okay to feel that way. Do you want to talk about it more?"

Validates the other person's feelings.

"I appreciate how you handled that situation. You're really good at ___."

Praises specific strengths or skills, boosting the other person's self-esteem.

"I know we disagree, but I respect your point of view."

Acknowledges differences in opinion while still maintaining respect and understanding.

[thefreethoughtprojectcom]

Former spy Philip Giraldi shares how, after decades of serving in the intelligence community, he began to uncover the layers of deception within the agency, ultimately leading him to see through its lies and manipulations.

Read More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/deep-state/how-i-got-fired-from-the-cia-career-ops-officer-tells-all

#TheFreeThoughtProject

[pebblegalaxy]

Unveiling the Intrigue: A Deep Dive into All Seasons of the Homeland Web Series

“Homeland” is a critically acclaimed American television series that aired from 2011 to 2020. Created by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, the show is a psychological thriller and political drama that captivated audiences with its gripping storyline, complex characters, and intense performances. The series follows the journey of Carrie Mathison, a brilliant but troubled CIA officer played by Claire…