ThoughtWorks, a global technology firm employing 2400 people in 12 countries building business software, including websites, for many of the biggest companies globally, released the following statement on the NSA reform recommendations of the Review Group on Intelligence:
"We are pleased that the White House is joining the growing chorus of voices calling for NSA reform, and especially to see the recognition that non-US persons have the right to not have their privacy violated by the US government," said Joanna Parke, Managing Director of ThoughtWorks in North America. "However, we find the modest recommendations of the Review Group on Intelligence lacking. Mass surveillance is incompatible with a democratic society, and even full implementation of these recommendations would not eliminate this threatening and unconstitutional practice. We urge Congress to take the lead on bolder reforms that end dragnet collection by any party for any purpose."
In open letter to Congress published earlier today, ThoughtWorks joined over 50 civil liberties groups and other organizations advancing the public interest, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union, reddit and CREDO Mobile to strongly opposing the FISA Improvements Act.
For more information, please contact us at info-us@thoughtworks.com.