"Mass interception of entire populations is not only a reality, it is a secret new industry spanning 25 countries," claims WikiLeaks: The Spy Files. "It sounds like something out of Hollywood, but as of today, mass interception systems, built by Western intelligence contractors, including for ’political opponents’ are a reality.
WikiLeaks is releasing a database of hundreds of documents from as many as 160 intelligence contractors in the mass surveillance industry.
It's important to note the difference between mass surveillance and security: security involves blocking access to outsiders while mass surveillance depends upon gaining access to a large number of individual communication devices and networks.
For example, software that allows intelligence operations to take pictures without your knowledge, read and alter messages, and track your location. Software that allows your phone to be used to record and upload data-- even when in standby mode--including your location, any images on your camera, and any recordings of conversations.
Seen in the left-hand column of their Spy Files web site, WikiLeaks list of "contractors" includes many of the West's famous security and telecom companies.
Unfortunately, as well as revealing the security vendors, this list creates a "shopping list" for any government looking to take control of their telecom networks.
