In his best selling book James Bamford, a former expert of America's National Security Agency, detailed the wholesale hacking of a nation to such an extent that two presidents attempted to ban his book.
In the rush to war post 9/11, America set about the biggest eavesdropping operation ever conducted and it was far from commercial secrets or business data, the current product of intelligence agencies the world over.
One NSA whistleblower, a former member of US military intelligence, spoke out to reveal what she believed was illegal warrantless spying on Americans.
Adrienne Kinne was so disturbed by what took place she made a personal decision to delete numerous calls she was tasked to listen in on, especially between Americans.
She said: A lot of the time you could tell they were calling their families, waking them up in the middle of the night because of the time difference. So they would be talking all quiet and soft and their family member is like half asleep – incredibly intimate, personal conversations – and I just can't believe they were frigging recording them, and don't know why they were would ever have to begin with."
Given what has taken place it is hard to imagine how a news agenda can become gripped by something almost every country is in engaged in, some much more than others. I think I remember a certain country bugging the whole UN in the run up to the invasion of Iraq let alone stealing a few Facebook updates. My cat is doing fine after the trip to the vets for those inclined to like.
The so called Shanghai Unit 61398 building or not, I have no idea, surprise, shock, knowledge or care less. But imagine calling the news desk of CNN or BBC saying I have a report the CIA or GCHQ is spying.
Fantastic, it would be big news if it was not. Why does the prism of news in China have to be viewed with a different kaleidoscope to the West? A darker shadow that is obvious to any seasoned reader.
People in clandestine glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
The writer is an editor with China Daily website and you can contact him at leehannon@chinadaily.com.cn.
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