NSA Program, XKeyscore, Reportedly Allows Analysts to Track Emails, Chats, Web Searches at Will

A new report from The Guardian exposes another National Security Agency program, which the media outlet claims grants intelligence analysts access to spy on Americans from a computer terminal.

The NSA program, known as XKeyscore, is operating a massive database system that allows analysts to search individuals' emails, chats and Internet browsing histories. By using XKeyscore, "analysts can also search by name, telephone number, IP address, keywords, the language in which the Internet activity was conducted or the type of browser used" states The Guardian.

The piece describes the XKeyscore program as the "widest-reaching" system the agency has, which allows analysts without prior authorization to dig around the database by filling out an on-screen form.

According to the report, the program covers "nearly everything a typical user does on the internet" including emails and websites visited. It also reportedly allows analysts to intercept Internet activity in "real time."

In response, the NSA released a statement challenging the article, arguing that access is limited and mainly aimed at foreign intelligence targets. According to the NSA, the "allegations of widespread, unchecked analyst access to NSA collection data are simply not true," reports Fox News.

The Guardian report seems to make a distinction between what is technically possible under this program and what is legally allowed. It notes that U.S. law requires the NSA to get a warrant if the target is a U.S. citizen -- but says the XKeyscore program provides "the technological capability, if not the legal authority" to go after Americans without a warrant as long as an analyst knows information like an email or IP address.

The NSA, in its statement, pushed back on these assertions.

"The implication that NSA's collection is arbitrary and unconstrained is false," the agency said. "NSA's activities are focused and specifically deployed against -- and only against -- legitimate foreign intelligence targets in response to requirements that our leaders need for information necessary to protect our nation and its interests."