4 ms·

> If this were not so, targets could simply sidestep our intelligence collection vectors. Sorry, could you explain this? I can't seem to put this together.

• scott_s 15y ago
  If the people we're gathering intelligence on (the "targets") knew how we are collecting that intelligence (the "vectors"), then they'd be able to avoid being spied on.
  • rdl 15y ago
    Also, sometimes the vectors themselves, if exposed, would cause diplomatic incidents -- human intelligence (spies), placed within a foreign government, or illegal means of collection (black bag job breakins, tapping undersea cables in national waters, ...).
  • Sniffnoy 15y ago
    Ah, so by "if this were not so" he meant "if they weren't protected"? I read it as "if they didn't have to be protected", which is why I was confused.
• bdr 15y ago
  If you knew your phone was tapped, you could stop using it.