Fact Check: Is XKeyscore still used?

Is XKeyscore Still Used?

The claim in question is whether XKeyscore, a surveillance program developed by the National Security Agency (NSA), is still in operation today. This program has been a focal point of discussions regarding government surveillance and privacy concerns, particularly following its exposure by whistleblower Edward Snowden in 2013. The current status of XKeyscore is not definitively known, leading to speculation and varying opinions on its continued use.

What We Know

Background of XKeyscore: XKeyscore is a system designed for searching and analyzing global internet data. It allows NSA analysts to query vast amounts of data collected from various sources, including email, social media, and web browsing activities [1][4]. The program was publicly revealed in 2013, sparking significant controversy regarding privacy and civil liberties [3].
Functionality and Purpose: According to multiple sources, XKeyscore functions as a powerful tool for the NSA, enabling real-time data analysis and surveillance. It is described as a search engine for the NSA's collected data, allowing analysts to track individuals and gather intelligence [5][7].
Official Reports and Oversight: The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) conducted an independent review of XKeyscore, stating that while it is not a collection program itself, it plays a crucial role in analyzing data collected by other surveillance programs. The report emphasized that XKeyscore has rigorous oversight and compliance mechanisms [8].
Current Status: As of now, there is no official confirmation from the NSA regarding the current operational status of XKeyscore. The lack of recent disclosures or updates from credible sources leaves its ongoing use ambiguous.

Analysis

The sources available present a mix of information regarding XKeyscore's capabilities and its operational status.

Wikipedia Articles: The Wikipedia entries in various languages provide a general overview of XKeyscore, its functionalities, and historical context. However, Wikipedia's collaborative nature means that while it can be a good starting point, it may not always reflect the most current information or nuanced perspectives [1][2][3].
Infosec and DCSS Project: Articles from Infosec and the Digital Citizenship and Surveillance Society provide insights into the operational aspects of XKeyscore, detailing its capabilities and implications for privacy. However, these sources may carry a bias towards highlighting the negative aspects of surveillance technologies, which could influence their portrayal of XKeyscore [4][5].
PCLOB Report: The report from the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is a significant source, as it comes from an independent government body tasked with reviewing surveillance practices. Its findings lend credibility to the claim that XKeyscore is a tool for analysis rather than direct data collection, but it does not address whether the program is still actively used [8].
Recent Blog Post: A recent blog post from 2024 discusses XKeyscore's design and functionality but does not provide new information regarding its current operational status. The blog's credibility may be limited due to its informal nature and potential lack of peer review [7].

Conflicts of Interest and Methodology

Some sources may have inherent biases, particularly those that focus on civil liberties and privacy concerns, which could lead to a more critical portrayal of surveillance programs like XKeyscore. Additionally, the absence of recent, direct statements from the NSA raises questions about the transparency of the agency regarding its surveillance practices.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful?

To better understand the current status of XKeyscore, it would be beneficial to have:

Official Statements from the NSA: Direct confirmation or denial of the program's current use would clarify its operational status.
Recent Investigative Reports: Investigative journalism that explores the current state of NSA surveillance programs could provide insights into whether XKeyscore is still active.
Expert Opinions: Interviews or analyses from cybersecurity experts or former NSA officials could shed light on the program's relevance in today's surveillance landscape.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim regarding the current operational status of XKeyscore remains unverified due to a lack of definitive evidence. While the program is known for its capabilities in analyzing vast amounts of data, there has been no official confirmation from the NSA about whether it is still in use today. The available sources provide a mix of historical context and functionality but do not address its current status, leading to ambiguity.

It is important to note that the absence of recent disclosures from credible sources contributes to this uncertainty. The potential biases in some sources, particularly those focused on civil liberties, may also affect the portrayal of XKeyscore. Therefore, readers should approach this topic with caution and remain aware of the limitations in the available evidence.

As always, it is advisable for readers to critically evaluate information themselves and consider seeking out multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the issue.