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EP Writes Echelon Report

A delegation of European Parliament (EP) has written a report on the Echelon system, a surveillance program that can intercept electronic communications globally. The report asserts that the Echelon system does exist, but that media accounts of the system�s capabilities are overblown. Echelon is operated by the US, Canada, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Media reports alleged that Echelon was employed to steal trade secrets from European businesses, however, the report concludes that no substantiated evidence points to the use of the system for industrial espionage.

Working Paper on Echelon, European Parliament Temporary Committee on the Echelon Interception System, Cryptome Web Site.
Report Downplays Echelon Effect, Wired, May 24, 2001.
Euro Parliament calls ECHELON a paper tiger, The Register, May 24, 2001.