A discussion on USSID 18. Everyone please read this!

[jmowreader]

USSID 18 is titled "Legal Compliance and Minimization Procedures." It used to be called "Limitations and Procedures in Signals Intelligence Operations of the USSS." It really should be titled "You Can't Spy On Americans" because that's the whole purpose of this tome--to tell you the very limited set of reasons you're allowed to spy on an American citizen, and what to do with the take if you fuck up and spy on one anyway.

USSS means United States SIGINT System. You will see that a LOT in USSID 18. You will also see DIRNSA (Director, NSA) and CHCSS (Chief, Central Security Service). This is the three-star flag officer who runs the place. Oh yeah...USSID means United States Signals Intelligence Directive--the regulations which govern signals intelligence operations conducted by the United States government. There are a shitload of these.

http://cryptome.org/nsa-ussid18.htm is the link to the USSID.

This USSID is so important to the American way of life that all practicing SIGINTers are required to read it every three months. Some groups at the Fort even have little tests on it to see if you remember what you were told.

According to USSID 18, you can spy on Americans--IF! It's got to be approved by the Attorney General and there are very few occasions where the AG is allowed to grant permission. Think terrorist acts and grave dangers to lives, limbs and private property and no other way to direct emergency efforts.

Note: "approved by the AG." Not the president.

if we can track this to Bush, he's officially toast.