Mark Klein
| Mark Klein link (NSA whistleblower, technician) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 2, 1945 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | 2025? |
| Nationality | American |
| Exposed | Mass Surveillance |
| Interests | Telecommunications |
A whistleblower who in 2006 revealed how AT&T were partnering with the NSA to carry out mass surveillance of their customers. | |
Mark Klein was an AT&T technician who leaked knowledge of his company's cooperation with the United States NSA[When?] in installing network hardware to monitor, capture and process American telecommunications. EFF termed him "a bona fide hero who risked civil liability and criminal prosecution to help expose a massive spying program that violated the rights of millions of Americans."[1]
Career
For over 22 years Mark Klein worked for AT&T. Starting with the company as a Communications Technician in New York, where he remained from November 1981 until March 1991, he later continued in that capacity in California until 1998. From January 1998 to October 2003, Klein worked as a Computer Network Associate in San Francisco. From October 2003 to May 2004 he returned to the role of Communications Technician, after which he retired in May 2004.[2]
Whistleblowing
The subsequent media coverage became a major story in May 2006, but which was fairly quickly ignored, as per the cases of William Binney, Thomas Drake and Russell Tice - and in strong contrast to the Edward Snowden Affair.
Recognition
In recognition of his actions, the Electronic Frontier Foundation picked Klein as one of the winners of its 2008 Pioneer Awards.[3]
References
- ↑ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/03/memoriam-mark-klein-att-whistleblower-about-nsa-mass-spying
- ↑ Declaration of Mark Klein - Unredacted (June 8, 2006) EFF
- ↑ AT&T Whistle-Blower Among Award Winners - Newsvine 27 Feb 2008
External links
- Klein's Declaration (unredacted), from the case Hepting v. AT&T]] - Electronic Frontier Foundation
- ABC Nightline Interview with Klein
- Klein's memo about the NSA program
- Wired coverage
- PBS NOW | Whistleblower Mark Klein
- PBS NOW | For Your Eyes Only?
- Spying On The Home Front, Frontline, PBS
- A Story of Surveillance, Washington Post, November 7, 2007
- First Interview with the NSA Whistleblower at EFF
- Wiring Up the Big Brother Machine ...And Fighting It by Mark Klein
- Wired (2008) interview with Klein