Mark Klein, AT&T Technician Who Exposed NSA Spying, Dies

Mark Klein, Whistleblower in NSA Surveillance Case, Passes Away

Mark Klein, previously an AT&T technician and later a pivotal whistleblower, has died at the age of 79. He is remembered for bringing to light extensive surveillance practices undertaken by the U.S. government.

Exposing Secret Surveillance Operations

In 2006, Klein publicly released documentation detailing the National Security Agency’s (NSA) clandestine activities. These documents revealed the existence of a hidden facility within an AT&T hub located in San Francisco.

This secret room, now widely known as Room 641A, was utilized to intercept internet communications. Optical splitting wiretaps were employed to duplicate all raw internet traffic.

The duplicated data was then transmitted directly to the NSA for analysis. This process allowed the agency to monitor a significant volume of online activity.

Confirmation of Widespread Data Access

Klein’s revelations provided concrete evidence that the U.S. government was accessing the internet data of millions of citizens. This access was reportedly authorized by legislation passed by Congress following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Context with Edward Snowden’s Leaks

Klein’s disclosures preceded, and were later corroborated by, the leaks made by Edward Snowden in 2013. Snowden, a former NSA contractor, released thousands of classified documents to the press.

These documents detailed the global scope of NSA surveillance programs. They further illuminated the extent of the agency’s data collection efforts.

Legacy and Legal Battles

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights organization based in San Francisco, confirmed Klein’s passing. Klein initially contacted the EFF with his evidence.

Following Klein’s disclosures, the EFF filed a lawsuit against the federal government. However, this legal challenge was ultimately dismissed by the courts.

Klein’s actions played a crucial role in bringing the issue of government surveillance to public attention. He is considered a significant figure in the fight for digital privacy.