FILE - This Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 file photo shows people walking by a branch of Vodafone in central London. Vodafone, one of the world's largest cellphone companies, revealed the scope of government snooping into phone networks Friday, saying authorities in some countries are able to directly access an operator's network without seeking permission.The company outlined the details in a report that is described as the first of its kind, covering 29 countries in which it directly operates. It gives the most comprehensive look to date on how governments monitor the communications of their citizens. The most explosive revelation was that in a small number of countries, authorities require direct access to an operator's network — bypassing legal niceties like warrants. It did not name the countries. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, file)
June 06, 2014 - 2:25 AM
LONDON - Vodafone, one of the world's largest cellphone companies, has revealed the scope of government snooping into phone networks, saying authorities in some countries are able to directly access an operator's network.
The company outlined the details in a report that is described as the first of its kind, covering 29 countries in which it directly operates.
Vodafone said Friday that in a small number of countries, authorities "must have direct access to an operator's network."
The reports says, "Vodafone will not receive any form of demand for lawful interception access as the relevant agencies and authorities already have permanent access to customer communications via their own direct link."
The findings will heap anxiety on civil rights advocates already alarmed by the revelations of former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014