Incoming NSA chief Admiral Michael Rogers has moved to downplay the significance of Edward Snowden's revelations about the spy agency. Ex-CIA worker Snowden exposed the organization's controversial PRISM program, which involves the collection of phone and email data, before fleeing the US.
[IMAGE: Ex-CIA worker & NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden]
Outgoing NSA director General Keith Alexander dubbed Snowden's leak as one of the worst in history, expressing concerns that it handed an advantage to terrorists by tipping them off about the program.
However, Admiral Rogers insists that Snowden's whistleblowing has not damaged the NSA's anti-terrorism operations.
"I have seen [terrorist] groups not only talk about making changes, I have seen them make changes," he told the New York Times.
[IMAGE: The White House, Washington DC]
"You have not heard me as the director say, 'Oh, my God, the sky is falling.' I am trying to be very specific and very measured in my characterisations."
Admiral Rogers went on to say that tighter controls are in place to ensure that future leaks do not occur, and promised to offer more transparency about his organization's practices by engaging in "public dialog".
Poster Comment:
These comments by Rogers are a PR fiasco.