Skip to main content

It looks like Google has helped the NSA, but that could be a good thing

google gender and ethnic demographics statistics
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last year, a leaked top-secret document revealed the NSA’s data collection program, called PRISM. Since then, tech companies have attempted to distance themselves from the NSA’s activities, with Google, specifically, saying the only reason it cooperated with the NSA was because it was compelled to do so through secret court orders. However, email documents obtained by Al Jazeera show that there have been some backdoor discussions between the NSA and Google.

The documents show that NSA director General Keith Alexander invited Google CEO Schmidt to attend a “classified threat briefing” in order to discuss security issues. The email also revealed that, while Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other companies set out to define core security principles, other tech firms such as Dell, HP, and Intel set out to work with the NSA to minimize security threats to enterprise platforms.

Recommended Videos

While the emails do reveal that there was dialogue between the two firms that Google never revealed, keep in mind that companies are legally prohibited from revealing details about what the NSA asks of them. In any case, the emails only confirm that not only is Google not alone in maintaining a dialogue with the U.S. government, but that, given the size of the company, it’s almost a given that such an occurrence would happen. There are likely a lot of ways Google could help the NSA out when it comes to security. While there is concern as to how the NSA uses information it receives from Google and other companies, the documents don’t really implicate Google in any wrongdoing.

Williams Pelegrin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
The Google Messages app is getting a few important safety features
google messages scam identity fraud package delivery spam features detect

Google’s software theme for 2024 has been safety. With the arrival of Android 15, the company added a host of anti-theft measures for phones, and later locked the Find My system behind biometric check. Next in line is the Messages app.

Earlier today, the company announced enhanced scam detection, putting special focus on package delivery scams and job frauds. Package delivery frauds have been on the rise lately, and they are being used for everything from brushing scams to those extorting money in the name of fake package delivery problems.

Read more
Here’s what all Samsung Galaxy S25 phones could look like
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Orange and in Titanium Silver.

January is just a few months away, and as we impatiently wait for the expected launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 — and the end of this relentless election cycle — we're clinging to every bit of news about the phone like a lifeline.

Known leaker @xleaks7 and Mokesciu Skaiciuokle released a short, 15-second video alongside images of the Galaxy S25 dummy models, giving us an idea of what the final model will look like.

Read more
Google’s Pixel Weather app could get a fun new feature
Google Pixel showing the Google Pixel Weather app.

Google’s Pixel Weather app is one of the newest forecasting apps on the market. And now the company is likely to soon introduce a unique feature designed to enhance the user experience and make Pixel Weather stand out in a very ... unique way.

According to Android Authority, the app will include a new feature called “Immersive Weather Vibrations.” This feature will make supported Pixel phones vibrate in sync with weather animations, adding an exciting element for users.

Read more