Tehran, YJC. Former US president Jimmy Carter says his email is probably monitored by the National Security Agency and that he is using "snail mail" instead.
"As a matter of fact, you know, I have felt that my own communications were probably monitored. And when I want to communicate with a foreign leader privately, I type or write the letter myself, put it in the post office and mail it,” Carter said on NBC News’ "Meet the Press”, adding, "Because I believe if I sent an email, it will be monitored.”
Carter also said that the NSA has abused its authority in conducting espionage activities. They have been "extremely liberalized” and have "abused our own intelligence agencies,” he stated.
His comments come less than a week before administration officials submit a proposal to President Barack Obama which determines who should host the NSA’s collection of telephone metadata.
The NSA came under widespread criticism when its former contractor Edward Snowden blew the lid off the agency’s massive surveillance programs last year.
Since then, Obama has put forward proposals on how the agency should collect communications data but critics believe the reforms do not go far enough.
In January, Obama announced his proposed reforms to the NSA, according to which the metadata program should be moved out of the government’s hands.
James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, Attorney General Eric Holder and other officials were tasked with determining where the metadata should be moved.
They have until Friday to come up with a decision.
Documents released by Snowden revealed that the NSA systematically spies on phone calls and online activities of millions of people worldwide, including leaders of foreign countries.