Yes, but I believe the number is three. And she had the legal authority to do so.
And the moral authority? There are only two outcomes with using the national security apparatus to spy on political opponents: a surveillance state or the people through their reps pull the plug. We have more invasive technology than ever and that trend will never stop. The time window to take back control is not very long.
Rep. Rooney: “Who, normally, in the NSA, would make the decision to unmask?”
Rogers: “There are 20 individuals, including myself, who I have delegated this authority to approve unmask requests.”
Rep. Rooney: “And, does the level of approval change depending upon the reason for unmasking – if it was something or somebody, say, really important, would that matter?”
Rep. Rogers: “It’s not, necessary designated in writing that way, by certainly by custom and tradition, at times, requests will be pushed up. I’m the senior-most of the 20 individuals, requests will be pushed to my level, saying, ‘Hey, sir, we just want to make sure you’re comfortable with this.’”