Ask HN: Can we detect the NSA's pause collecting data?

Isn't it sad that the question seems funny? I'd love to read some technical/factual answers...

This is such a great question. Personally, I fear the worst; which is that they are still continuing to bulk collect, yet are simply saying that they are not.

I'm not an expert on telecommunications. However, my guess is that in order to detect it, we would need someone who has direct access to the access network[1] (and possibly more?).

Plus the knowledge on how to detect surveillance (sudden drop in data transfer?). It would also require someone who's brave enough to take the risk to spill the beans.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_network

I don't think there would be a plausible way to detect this. IIRC the bulk data collection was implemented by splicing into network wires at key locations and routing the traffic two ways, into the bulk data collection rooms, and out its intended direction.

My guess is that there is no big red "Stop collecting data" button at NSA headquarters :)

One thing we learned from the Snowden revelations is that the NSA routinely uses convoluted legal justifications to do it's dirt. I'd be very skeptical that any slowdown/stoppage has actually occurred because it's likely they are simply continuing to operate under some other statute their lawyers have twisted around.

Well it doesn't take much to think: keep the servers running, assume the House version will eventually pass and it can be used to back justify during this little gap period.

What about looking at electricity consumption by the NSA facilities. If they've turned the whole thing down there should be a sharp dropdown.

Aren't the collection programs that are related to the pause concerned with phone records?