On Tue, 30 Dec 2014 14:16:21 -0800, Jason Richards <jjr2@gmx.com> wrote:
OK, I'll bite: why? What benefit does the US govt get from the information leaked by Snowden?
The way this question is worded frames the debate to an extent. To me, using the phrase 'the US Govt' implies a monolithic entity with coherent motives. It does not leave room for explanations involving fedgov internecine info-warfare for example.
So the US government seems to have said "we do things you don't want us to, but if you use proven, open source crypto you're reasonably secure." The only benefit I can see would be if they could break that crypto and wanted people to have a false sense of security by using that easily broken crypto.
My tinfoil hat isn't that thick. I don't buy it. So what are the other benefits?
Just throwing some ideas out: * Terrorize disenfranchised members of the population into the cyber-fetal position. Self-censor accordingly and don't get too uppity, submitizen! * Make it clear for any potential rivals to deep state power who 'didn't get the memo' that their every move is being watched, cataloged, recorded and stored in perpetuity. * Frame the debate. Never ask the fundamental question of whether the surveillance state should exist or not. Keep the discussion focused on 'how much' surveillance. * Throw up a fog of dis-information consisting of yesterdays obsolete capabilities, which by themselves are enough to stun even the tinfoil hat brigade. Mobilize interesting targets into adopting defenses against the obsolete attacks, until they think they are safe and can let their hair down again. Immediately begin harvesting juicy new intel via unrevealed nextgen attacks. * Inflict political pain on rival agencies and political enemies Anyone else? Let the paranoia flow...