Panel reviewing NSA linked to US spy chief’s office

A so-called independent panel tasked with reviewing the spying activities of the US National Security Agency is closely working with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

The advisors of the panel work in offices on loan from DNI and all the panel’s interview requests and press statements are coordinated through the DNI’s press office, the Associated Press reported. The DNI is responsible for overseeing the NSA and all other US spying activities.

This is in sharp contrast to a pledge made by President Barack Obama that the assessment would be conducted by an “independent group” of “outside experts”.

In August, Obama said a “high-level group of outside experts” would be in charge of assessing all of the government’s “intelligence and communication technologies” after leaked documents blew the lid on the NSA’s spying practices.

In addition, James Clapper, the intelligence director, has managed to exempt the review panel from the US Federal Advisory Committee Act under which all federal committees’ meetings must be conducted open to the public.

During recent weeks, for instance, the panel’s meetings with technology industry and privacy groups have been held behind closed doors, although no confidential information was discussed, the AP reported.

Moreover, according to two participants, the panel may hold a separate classified meeting with technology executives in the near future to hold discussions on details of confidential surveillance programs.

“No one can look at this group and say it’s completely independent,” said Sascha Meinrath, one attendee. He added the closed meetings “leave the public out of the loop.”

According to ABC News, former deputy CIA director Michael Morell and former White House officials Richard Clarke, Cass Sunstein, and Peter Swire are on the assessing panel.