Information, Computer and Network Security Terms Glossary and Dictionary

Echelon

Echelon is an officially unacknowledged U.S.-led global spy network that operates an automated system for the interception and relay of electronic communications. Echelon evolved out of Cold War espionage arrangements set up by the US and UK in 1948, and later brought in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Monitored transmissions are said to include up to 3 billion communications daily, including all the telephone calls, e-mail messages, faxes, satellite transmissions, and Internet downloads of both public and private organizations and citizens worldwide.

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Echelon