Aftershock: The War on Terror Episode 4: More than a Million Names
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Dec 12, 2025 The podcast dives into the aftermath of 9/11, where intelligence failures prompted the birth of extensive surveillance under the NSA. Key discussions reveal how mass data collection blurred the lines between security and privacy. Notably, the tale of Khaled El-Masri highlights the dangers of unchecked data-driven decisions. Edward Snowden's revelations shed light on the motto to 'collect it all,' while insider voices question the growing surveillance industrial complex. The conversation raises concerns about political risks tied to the renewal of surveillance laws.
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Section 702 Regularised Mass Surveillance
- Section 702 became the legal cornerstone that regularised warrantless surveillance begun after 9/11.
- Daniel Soar explains how emergency measures hardened into permanent state powers affecting millions.
Corporate‑State Surveillance Collusion
- The NSA built programs like Upstream to tap the internet backbone with telecom cooperation.
- This created a surveillance-industrial complex where corporations and agencies colluded on mass collection.
Snowden's Massive Leak From Hawaii
- Edward Snowden stole and disclosed over 1.5 million classified NSA files from Hawaii in 2013.
- He said the public deserved to decide if mass surveillance was right and warned of "turnkey tyranny".
