What did the declassified documents reveal?

COLD OPEN: This is a declassified document, released on November 22nd, 2020, by The Black Vault. The document is a transmittal of material related to the NSA Surveillance Program: PRISM, a code name for a program under which the United States National Security Agency collects internet communications from various U.S. internet companies. The program is also known by the SIGAD US-984XN. Vault reference: https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/nsa-surveillance-program-prism/ Canonical PDF: https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/nsa/MDR-107072.pdf PROVENANCE: The document was released as part of a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) under the requirements of Executive Order (E.O.) 13526. The declassification authority is the National Security Agency, and the release date is September 30th, 2019. The document was originally classified TOP SECRET//SI-G//NF, but has been declassified and approved for release. THE DOCUMENT: UNCLASSIFIED TRANSMITTAL OF MATERIAL Request ID: 0000997803 Type: OMAL Submitted: 20190930 TO MR. JOHN GREENEWALD, JR. 27305 W. LIVE OAK RD SUITE # 1203 CASTAIC, CA 91384 FROM (RETURN ADDRESS) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY 9800 SAVAGE ROAD FORT MEADE MARYLAND 20755-6000 ATTN: RAMSEY VICKILYNN SUITE: 6881 This transmittal may NOT be downgraded upon removal of the enclosure(s). This transmittal may NOT be declassified upon removal of the enclosure(s). ...[document continues] The document is a series of emails and memos regarding the processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for information related to the PRISM program. The emails discuss the release of unclassified documents and the handling of classified information. CONTEXT: The document is a part of a larger collection of declassified documents related to the PRISM program. The NSA has declassified and released various documents related to the program, including the SIGAD US-984XN and the PRISM program's operations. OUTRO: This is what the public record looks like at its most ordinary. A series of emails and memos, declassified and released after years of review. The story of the PRISM program is complex and multifaceted, but this document provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the NSA's surveillance activities. For more information, visit storyflo.com and explore the canonical URL: https://documents2.theblackvault.com/documents/nsa/MDR-107072.pdf

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process.

NSA Surveillance Program: Prism

◆ BLUF — The short version

COLD OPEN: This is a declassified document, released on November 22nd, 2020, by The Black Vault. S. internet companies. The program is also known by the SIGAD US-984XN. ) 13526. The declassification authority is the National Security Agency, and the release date is September 30th, 2019.

Date: JUL 6 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)

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Episode notes

COLD OPEN: This is a declassified document, released on November 22nd, 2020, by The Black Vault. The document is a transmittal of material related to the NSA Surveillance Program: PRISM, a code name for a program under which the United States National Security Agency collects internet…

Questions about this case

What was NSA Surveillance Program: Prism about?: COLD OPEN: This is a declassified document, released on November 22nd, 2020, by The Black Vault. S. internet companies. The program is also known by the SIGAD US-984XN. ) 13526. The declassification authority is the National Security Agency, and the release date is September 30th, 2019.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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