DCSNet
DCSNet, an abbreviation for Digital Collection System Network, is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s point-and-click surveillance system that can perform instant wiretaps on almost any telecommunications device in the US.[1]
It allows access to cellphone, landline, SMS communications anywhere in the US from a point-and-click interface. It runs on a fiber-optic backbone separate from the internet.[2] It is intended to increase agent productivity through workflow modeling allowing for the routing of intercepts for translation or analysis with only a few clicks.
It is composed of at least three classified software components that run on the Windows operating system -- DCS3000, DCS5000, DCS6000. The DCS3000 collects information associated with dialed and incoming numbers like traditional trap-and-trace and pen registers. The DCS5000 is a system used by the FBI unit responsible for counter-intelligence to target suspected spies, alleged terrorists, and others with wiretaps. The DCS6000 captures the content of phone calls and text messages for analysis.
DCSNet real-time intelligence data intercept has the capability to record, review and playback intercepted material in real-time.[3]
Much of the information available on this system has come from the results of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).[4]
DCSNet is related to the Red Hook system that the FBI also uses rather than requesting the information from companies via the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).
See also
- Carnivore (FBI)
- ECHELON
- Investigative Data Warehouse
- Mass surveillance
- Signals intelligence (SIGINT)