Microsoft offers overseas data storage in response to NSA concerns

AnimalMuppet wrote: post #3

samstave wrote: post #2

Stored overseas... accessed via undersea cables taped y the USS Jimmy Carter?? "Nothing is out of our reach"

If Microsoft is collaborating with the NSA, no cable tapping is needed. Do I trust Microsoft not to be collaborating? No, not really.

It's not even a matter of trust. If MS receives an NSL they have to comply with it.

Re: Microsoft offers overseas data storage in response to NSA concerns

#5

Post by a3n » Wed, Jan 22, 2014, 9:15 PM UTC

AnimalMuppet wrote: post #3

samstave wrote: post #2

Stored overseas... accessed via undersea cables taped y the USS Jimmy Carter?? "Nothing is out of our reach"

If Microsoft is collaborating with the NSA, no cable tapping is needed. Do I trust Microsoft not to be collaborating? No, not really.

Microsoft can't trust Microsoft. All it takes is a NSL to compel MS to hand over any data it has control over. Maybe one day they'll win the lawsuit to get permission to contest the letter, but the data's long since surveilled.

Re: Microsoft offers overseas data storage in response to NSA concerns

#6

Post by dmfdmf » Wed, Jan 22, 2014, 9:20 PM UTC

With secret courts, secret warrants and secret gag orders this does nothing to address the issues. Who's to say that MS won't receive a secret order to turn over access even to servers on foreign soil? I think this is the right response by MS but only as a signal to the govt that they are damaging US economic interests with their dragnet surveillance policy. Claiming US citizens don't have to worry because they are only spying on "foreigners" is only making matters worse.

Ultimately, this mess will require a political, not a technical solution. Legally some level of constitutional protects will have to be accorded to the clients or customers of US Citizens regardless of where in the world they reside. It has to be made clear that using a US company does not equal turning your data over to the NSA.