E-mail users should be using encryption software for sensitive
communications to counter the alleged US-led spying network
Echelon, according to a European Parliament report. Echelon is the
code-name for a global intelligence gathering network created by
the US in the Cold War years with the assistance of the UK, Canada,
Australia and New Zealand. There has long been speculation about
whether Echelon still operates and, if so, to what extent.
The European Parliament concludes in its 108 page report that
Echelon is operating, but acknowledges there is no firm evidence
that the network has been used for industrial espionage, and that
the interceptions involved are not “billions of messages an hour”
as suggested by previous EU studies. The US refuses to confirm or
deny such reports.
The report warns any EU citizen who sends sensitive information by
e-mail that they should begin using encryption techniques to
prevent others gaining access.
The parliament’s report warns that the UK’s apparent involvement
in Echelon could be violating European human rights laws. The
report will now go to the full EU assembly for review.
The
full report is available in PDF
The
Echelon Committee's web site
