The full extent of the N.S.A.’s decoding capabilities is known only to a limited group of top analysts from the so-called Five Eyes: the N.S.A. and its counterparts in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Only they are cleared for the Bullrun program, the successor to one called Manassas — both names of American Civil War battles. A parallel GCHQ counterencryption program is called Edgehill, named for the first battle of the English Civil War of the 17th century.
Unlike some classified information that can be parceled out on a strict “need to know” basis, one document makes clear that with Bullrun, “there will be NO ‘need to know.’ ”
Only a small cadre of trusted contractors were allowed to join Bullrun. It does not appear that Mr. Snowden was among them, but he nonetheless managed to obtain dozens of classified documents referring to the program’s capabilities, methods and sources.
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The NSA’s Secret Campaign to Crack, Undermine Internet Encryption - ProPublica
As noted in multiple accounts, “Bullrun”, “Manassas” and “Edgehill” are all named after battles in the American and English civil wars.
NSA, GCHQ, Declare Civil War on Their Own People | emptywheel
Technology is the instantiation of political systems, and its actual intent is often revealed, apparently carelessly, in its naming and implementation. Such indicators should not be considered as accidental, or careless.
(via new-aesthetic)
bold emph mine.
(via kenyatta)