U.S., Internet Surveillance Denial: Because It is Secret, Nothing Can be Divulged

Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. described PRISM--the intelligence gathering effort-- as “an internal government computer system used to facilitate the government’s statutorily authorized collection of foreign intelligence information from electronic communication service providers under court supervision.”

Perhaps that tells you something. LIke "trust me." Clapper says a warrant is issued every time  NSA or other intelligence agencies seek information under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. 

But the secret court orders also are one-time blanket approvals for data acquisition and  surveillance on selected foreign targets for periods of as long as a year.

The problem is that nobody outside can tell how much other information is garnered. Nobody claims all that other data is destroyed. Nobody can assure the public that all gathered data is narrowly targeted. 

The National Security Agency also has requested a criminal investigation into the leak of highly classified information about secret surveillance programs run by the National Security Agency. 

"I can't tell you anything, but you don't have to worry." And if you try to find out, you will be prosecuted.