> This isn’t exactly accurate either. Last I heard, it was based on “hops.” Not just 1 degree of separation of Vladimir Putin, but N degrees of separation from

> This isn’t exactly accurate either. Last I heard, it was based on “hops.” Not just 1 degree of separation of Vladimir Putin, but N degrees of separation from anyone considered to be a potential “national security threat.” The quote was completely accurate. What you heard is inaccurate. The US isn't allowed to get data for people living in the US (or US citizens living anywhere) at all without a court order. They can collect Putin's data and that of his non-American associates. They can then search that data for Americans suspected to be involved in schemes against national security. They cannot search that data for Americans who aren't, which is what is being reported here.