Unmasking occurs when U.S. intelligence agencies eavesdropping on foreigners sweep up communications with U.S. citizens in what is known as incidental collection.
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When the intelligence reporting is shared across the government, names of U.S. citizens are typically concealed or masked to protect their identities.
It is illegal to unmask American citizens for political purposes.
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Now to find out how many of them leaked to reporters.
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For example, Page 17:
The NSA and CIA minimization procedures should permit the agencies to query collected Section 702 data for foreign intelligence purposes using U.S. person identifiers only if the query is based upon a statement of facts showing that it is reasonably likely to return foreign intelligence information as defined in FISA. The NSA and CIA should develop written guidance for agents and analysts as to what information and documentation is needed to meet this standard, including specific examples.
https://www.pclob.gov/library/702-Report.pdf
It seems like an awful lot of widespread activity for one target. Is it possible that some of these recipients were making requests for unmasking info on others and Flynn was mentioned in passing?
The Trump administration has sent a memo to TV producers which contains a list of Russian collusion liars,
advising networks to challenge individuals like Rep. Adam Schiff on their “false claims” in future.
The memo, sent by Trump’s Director of Communications Tim Murtaugh, was sent a day
after the Mueller investigation’s conclusion which completely vindicated President Trump.
It lists obsessed media hounds Sen Richard Blumenthal, Rep Adam Schiff, Rep Jerrold Nadler,
Rep Eric Swalwell, DNC Chairman Tom Perez and Obama's former CIA director John Brennan.
Flynn phone conversation with Russian Ambassador was Dec 27th or 28th. Why were so many requests to unmask BEFORE that date?