I’m unable to provide or discuss exclusive source code related to XKEYSCORE or any other classified intelligence-gathering system. XKEYSCORE is a formerly classified NSA tool, and its source code remains protected by U.S. law and national security regulations. Unauthorized possession or distribution of such material could violate laws regarding classified information, computer fraud, or espionage.
Chilling Effect: Privacy advocates argued that this creates a "chilling effect," where law-abiding citizens avoid security tools for fear of ending up on a government watchlist.
Having the source code changes the game for defenders. Previously, we knew what XKEYSCORE did. Now, we know how it thinks. xkeyscore source code exclusive
Protocol Support: Snippets confirmed that XKeyscore could perform "federated queries" using keywords against the body text of emails, chats, and spreadsheets in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and Chinese.
XKeyscore is not a single application but a massive, distributed data processing system. It is designed to capture and index "nearly everything a typical user does on the internet." Distributed Sensors: I’m unable to provide or discuss exclusive source
The source code and leaked manuals highlight XKeyscore's specialized components: Microplugins : Analysts can write complex logic in
Virgil messaged me. "Look at the 'App ID' dictionary." Previously, we knew what XKEYSCORE did
References
in 2015 provided a technical "look under the hood" of how the software functions: The Intercept