Leaks from former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden triggered a much needed debate about surveillance in America, even if they jeopardized national security, the country's spy chief admitted Thursday.
"As loathe as I am to give any credit for what's happened here, which is egregious," said National Intelligence Director James Clapper, "I think it's clear that some of the conversations that this has generated, some of the debate... actually probably needed to happen."
Speaking at a conference in Washington, Clapper said the public debate about the best way to balance spying powers and privacy rights should "perhaps" have taken place earlier.
"So if there's a good side to this, maybe that's it," he said.
His comments marked the first time a senior US intelligence official has acknowledged the leaks might not have had a solely negative impact.
Officials have previously labeled Snowden a traitor who endangered America's interests and spies in the field.
Clapper, who oversees all 16 US intelligence agencies, predicted there would be more revelations from Snowden, and said he was worried about their long-term effects.
He said he was concerned about "the impact, frankly, on our national security and the damage caused by these continuous stream of revelations."
But he said the intelligence community should be more open about its work, even if that meant taking more risks, to ensure that Americans and their representatives in Congress trusted their spy services.
He said his office had this week declassified hundreds of pages of documents from the court that oversees electronic surveillance as part of an attempt to be more transparent.
"Transparency of course is a double-edged sword. It's great for us, great for our citizens. But of course the adversary goes to school on that transparency too," he said.
"But I'm convinced we have to err on the side of more transparency because, most importantly, we won't have any of this if we don't have the trust and confidence of citizens and their elected representatives."
Clapper said he had met with executives from some news media companies to discuss the fallout from the Snowden leaks and found a "big gulf" between how the two sides viewed what affects national security.
And he acknowledged that it was difficult to make the case publicly for current surveillance powers in the aftermath of a wave of bombshell revelations.
It was "a real challenge to sort of punch back and make the alternative case," he said.
"So one of the things we're doing, obviously, is to try to open up, be more transparent, explain to people what we're doing."
To prevent more leaks from insiders, the intelligence agencies were working to improve security clearances and to introduce a single system for all the spy agencies' computer services, he said.
Snowden had worked as a subcontractor in a National Security Agency regional office in Hawaii before handing over secret documents to newspapers that lifted the lid on the extent of US surveillance, including trawling through Americans' phone records and online traffic.
Snowden, who has been charged with espionage by US authorities, has secured temporary asylum in Russia, and his disclosures continue to trickle out in the Guardian and other publications.
President Barack Obama has defended the NSA's surveillance as lawful but has left the door open to more oversight from Congress or through other measures.
Clapper, who addressed an intelligence and security alliance "summit," said he expected new legislation to revise surveillance authorities, and that the changes would be helpful if it helped shore up public confidence.
But he said the NSA, for which he worked earlier in his career, was "an honorable institution" that deserved respect for its work.
AFP
Thu Sep 12 2013
Indonesia's Prabowo swears in cabinet of over 100 ministers, deputies
Prabowo Subianto's cabinet has 48 ministries with over 100 ministers and deputies, including two re-appointments.
Freeze on foreign worker employment quota to continue - Saifuddin
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as of Sept 15 the total number of foreign workers is nearing the stipulated ceiling.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canberra on Australia tour
This is King Charles' first major foreign trip since being diagnosed with cancer in February.
Indonesia's Prabowo plans military academy retreat for new cabinet
The retreat is aimed at forming a bond between around 100 cabinet ministers and their deputies, according to migrant protection minister.
Four loan sharks held for alleged involvement in paint splashing, arson in six states
The syndicate is believed to have conducted illegal money-lending activities, involving loan sharks and online money-lending, police said.
China's PCT international patent applications top world for 5 consecutive years: WIPO chief
China has become the country with the most international patent applications, according to AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama.
Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix; Max Verstappen 3rd after Norris penalty
Charles Leclerc also won the Monaco Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix this year and sits third in the driver standings.
Australia's Qantas told to pay $114,000 to 3 sacked workers in landmark outsourcing case
Qantas claims the sackings were warranted as a cost-cutting measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Sinwar's death, Israel aims to lock in strategic gains before US election
Israeli leaders are seeking to reshape regional landscape in Israel's favour and shield its borders from any future attacks, sources said.
Netanyahu told Trump Israel will make decisions based on its interests, PM's office says
Israel is pondering its military reaction to recent Iranian missile strikes.
Ringgit extends positive momentum to open higher against US dollar
The ringgit traded higher against the US Dollar in today's early session, driven by continued buying interest towards the local currency.
BHP faces $47 billion UK lawsuit over Brazilian dam collapse
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the collapse of the dam.
Trump hands out french fries in Pennsylvania, Harris visits Georgia churches
Both candidates were scrambling for votes in the most competitive states.
Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall
Lula "was advised to avoid long-distance air travel but is otherwise able to carry out his regular duties."
Lebanese flee as blasts hit Beirut, Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah finance arm
On Sunday Israel said it hit Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons workshop in Beirut.
87 people killed or missing in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya, health ministry says
A total of 87 people were killed or missing under the rubble after an Israeli attack on Saturday on northern Gaza's town of Beit Lahiya.
Hundreds of colonists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli protection
Hundreds of Israeli colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning during the fourth day of the Jewish Sukkot festival.
ANALYSIS - What could happen if Trump rejects the US election results
If Trump seems to be losing, the delay could let him claim fraud and undermine confidence in election officials.
Motorcycling - Marquez wins Australian MotoGP after intense battle with Martin
The 31-year-old, third in the championship standings, has now won the Australian MotoGP four times in the premier class.
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy, vowing to combat internal issues