"Massive Phone Surveillance Program Exposes Secret Spying on Americans"

AT&T's secret phone surveillance program, known as Data Analytical Services (DAS), has been collecting and analyzing over a trillion domestic phone records each year, including the calls of innocent individuals. The program, formerly known as Hemisphere, operates without judicial oversight or public accountability, violating privacy rights and the Fourth Amendment. It bypasses the USA Freedom Act, which aimed to reform bulk collection of phone records by the NSA. The DAS program raises concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and potential abuse. Lawmakers and activists have challenged its legality, and Sen. Ron Wyden has urged the U.S. Attorney General to investigate. Methods to protect oneself include using encryption, alternative communication methods, and privacy tools, although none are foolproof.