[ISL]

The interception was done by Verizon, and the authorization appears to be via the FBI. Once that's done, NSA can help out if the FBI wants help. In this picture, General Alexander's answers are correct.

That won't stop Congress from being livid, should the representatives choose to be.

[brown9-2]

In this case, and using these definitions, it appears no "interception" happens because there is not a computer or human listening to the actual phone calls. Verizon is sending the call "metadata".

[chris_mahan]

per the definition given above: "to "intercept" means that a computer or human actually listens to or records calls." if a computer records a call, it's intercepted, no?

[EthanHeilman]

Verizon is sending them call metadata not actual calls.

[foobarqux]

That would be the logical interpretation but it is not the interpretation being used by the government.

[brown9-2]

are you referring to what the Wired article stated?