US National Security Agency buys web browsing data without warrant

The US National Security Agency (NSA) buys Americans’ internet browsing information from commercial brokers without a warrant, the agency’s director told Democratic senator Ron Wyden in a letter made public on Thursday.

Wyden, who released the December 11 letter, called upon US intelligence officials to stop using Americans’ personal data without their express knowledge and consent, saying it was unlawful.

“Such records can identify Americans who are seeking help from a suicide hotline or a hotline for survivors of sexual assault or domestic abuse,” Wyden said in a statement.