DNI Clapper Declassifies and Releases Telephone Metadata Collection Documents

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has released three declassified documents related to the bulk collection of telephone data.

"In the interest of increased transparency, the Director of National Intelligence [James R. Clapper] has authorized the declassification and public release of the attached documents pertaining to the collection of telephone metadata pursuant to Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. DNI Clapper has determined that the release of these documents is in the public interest."

The documents describe "programs that collected bulk dialing, routing, addressing and signaling information about telephone calls and electronic communications."

"The declassified reports were initially sent to congressional committees and included warning notes saying the information contained in them describes 'some of the most sensitive foreign intelligence collection programs conducted by the United States government.'"

The documents released can be found below:

• Cover Letter and 2009 Report on the National Security Agency’s Bulk Collection Program Affected by USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization
• Cover Letters and 2011 Report on the National Security Agency’s Bulk Collection Program for USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization
• Primary Order for Business Records Collection Under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act

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