Senior U.S. intelligence officials have consistently denied that the NSA was involved in massive data collection programs until Snouden went public in 2013.
An American Security Agency (NSA) surveillance program has been outlawed 7 years after it was exposed by former contractor Edward Snowden.
Surveillance of the telephone records of millions of Americans first came to light in 2013. Already the American Court of Appeals has concluded that this program and wiretapping of Americans is unconstitutional.
Former NSA contractor Snowden, who currently lives in Moscow, is the one who uncovered the scheme and has expressed his desire to return to the United States, where he risks facing espionage charges.
“I never imagined I would live one day when our courts condemned NSA activities,” Snowden said.
Senior U.S. intelligence officials have consistently denied that the NSA was involved in massive data collection programs until Snouden went public in 2013.
Upon discovery, officials said the program had helped fight terrorism. But on Wednesday the Court of Appeals said these allegations were incorrect and the program had violated the Aliens Surveillance Act.
“Today is a great victory for our right to privacy,” said the American Civil Liberties Union. “It is very clear that the actions of the NSA were in clear violation of our Constitution.”