NSA and AT&T Sittin’ in a Tree ⇥ propublica.org

T-A-P-P-I-N-G. At least, according to Julia Angwin, et. al. in a ProPublica–New York Times joint report:

While it has been long known that American telecommunications companies worked closely with the spy agency, newly disclosed NSA documents show that the relationship with AT&T has been considered unique and especially productive. One document described it as “highly collaborative,” while another lauded the company’s “extreme willingness to help.”

[…]

One document reminds NSA officials to be polite when visiting AT&T facilities, noting: “This is a partnership, not a contractual relationship.”