The US National Security Agency is
trying to develop a computer that could ultimately break most encryption
programs, whether they are used to protect other nations' spying
programs or consumers' bank accounts, The Washington Post reported on
Thursday.
The
report, which the newspaper said was based on documents leaked by
former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, comes amid continuing controversy
over the spy agency's program to collect the phone records Internet
communications of private citizens.
In
its report on Thursday, The Washington Post said that the NSA is trying
to develop a so-called "quantum computer" that could be used to break
encryption codes used to cloak sensitive information.
Such
a computer, which would be able to perform several calculations at once
instead of in a single stream, could take years to develop, the
newspaper said. In addition to being able to break through the cloaks
meant to protect private data, such a computer would have implications
for such fields as medicine, the newspaper reported.
The
research is part of a $79.7 million research program called
"Penetrating Hard Targets," the newspaper said. Other, non-governmental
researchers are also trying to develop quantum computers, and it is not
clear whether the NSA program lags the private efforts or is ahead of
them.
Snowden,
living in Russia with temporary asylum, last year leaked documents he
collected while working for the NSA. The United States has charged him
with espionage, and more charges could follow.
His
disclosures have sparked a debate over how much leeway to give the US
government in gathering information to protect Americans from terrorism,
and have prompted numerous lawsuits.
Last
week, a federal judge ruled that the NSA's collection of phone call
records is lawful, while another judge earlier in December questioned
the program's constitutionality. The issue is now more likely to move
before the US Supreme Court.
On
Thursday, the editorial board of the New York Times said that the US
government should grant Snowden clemency or a plea bargain, given the
public value of revelations over the National Security Agency's vast
spying programs.
The
New York Times and Guardian newspapers called Thursday for US leaker
Edward Snowden to be granted clemency for his revelations on US
government spying.
The
two dailies in separate editorials hailed the fugitive computer
specialist, who has sought refuge in Russia after leaking reams of
information about the secretive US National Security Agency and its data
gathering techniques.
"He may have committed a crime to do so, but he has done his country a great service," the Times wrote.
"It is time for the United States to offer Mr Snowden a plea bargain or some form of clemency."
Britain's
Guardian newspaper meanwhile urged Washington "to allow Mr Snowden to
return to the US with dignity," calling his revelations exposing the
extent of Washington's electronic eavesdropping at home and abroad an
act of "moral courage."
The
Times called on the US government to offer Snowden a deal that "would
allow him to return home (and) face at least substantially reduced
punishment."
The
National Security Council, President Barack Obama's in-house forum at
the White House for national security and foreign affairs, on Thursday
declined to comment, referring AFP to previous White House statements.
Obama
has said he welcomes debate about the NSA's role as he weighs possible
changes to its broad powers, but has refused to discuss the possibility
of amnesty or a presidential pardon for Snowden.
In mid-December, the White House renewed its demand for the fugitive leaker to return home to face trial.
"Our position has not changed on that matter at all," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
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