[SomeStupidPoint]

> The CIA is collecting data from these devices as I am writing this.

Citation needed.

The CIA is almost certainly ignoring all of that data. [Ed: Since this was unclear, by "ignoring", I meant not interested in and not capturing it. As in, they're "ignoring" the information stream by not tapping it.]

If anyone is collecting it, which is largely doubtful, it would be Facebook collecting microphone noise or Google collecting location data (or other apps doing similarly). Of course, people have volunteered that data themselves, and you should be annoyed at your classmates for recording you.

The CIA (and other letter boys) can gain access to the data stored by these commercial companies after the fact, as part of their chartered duties.

You have some kind of voyeuristic fantasy that just because spy tools exist at a spy agency, they're somehow -- ZOMG! muh democracy! -- breaking their charter in a massive way by domestically spying on a bunch of students sitting around in class.

No. That's paranoid fantasy. There are real issues with the CIA, but that they own computer spy tools (and your fantasy of being watched hundreds of times right now) isn't one of them.

[3131s]

> breaking their charter in a massive way by domestically spying on a bunch of students sitting around in class.

You are aware that the CIA has done exactly that already, right?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_RESISTANCE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_CHAOS

[SomeStupidPoint]

Uh, that second link isn't like the first.

Foreign PSYOPs exploiting local minority (or other) groups is a standard way to undermine a government. It's a tactic at least thousands of years old.

I would say it's literally the CIAs job to keep an eye on that kind of activity.

Circling back to your first link, which is an issue, Im still not 100% convinced they acted inappropriately. You notice how it says they compiled a database of people who might cause property damage using the opinions of independent people on the ground, and not thay they put bugs in random student's dorm rooms?

That, given its relation to the appropriate tracking of foreign influence, might've been okay.

In either case, neither of your links is anything like the allegation they're massively and indiscriminately spying on random students.

So... Citation needed.

[3131s]

> Foreign PSYOPs exploiting local minority (or other) groups is a standard way to undermine a government. It's a tactic at least thousands of years old.

> I would say it's literally the CIAs job to keep an eye on that kind of activity.

Ok, and they did so by spying on Students for a Democratic Society, which is mentioned in the second link. I fail to see your point.

[imron]

> The CIA is almost certainly ignoring all of that data.

I guess that makes it all ok then. Nothing to see here folks. Move along.

[sanityUnbounded]

> The CIA is almost certainly ignoring all of that data

Citation needed.

Do you suggest that the data is destroyed after it is deemed unimportant?

If not, that suggests a far more terrifying scenario in which the data is collected and stored in the event that it would need to be brought up at a later date.

[SomeStupidPoint]

I'm suggesting it's not collected in the first place, no bugs exist on any if those computers or phones, etc.

That's what ignoring it means: it only exists in whatever fleeting capacity the local devices capture it, and the CIA has no interest in capturing or analyzing it.

[baakss]

"They can use the system to go back in time and scrutinize every decision you've ever made, every friend you've ever discussed something with, and attack you on that basis to sort of derive suspicion from an innocent life and paint anyone in the context of a wrongdoer." -Edward Snowden

Sorry, but I don't buy that they aren't in the business of data collection. I'll buy that they don't have the time to analyze everything if there's not a compelling need, but the data does exist and is readily available to be abused at any time.