Obama's NSA director nominee unusually mum about spying policy amendments

The Wall Street Journal observed that the President Barack Obama's nominee for the National Security Agency's next director provided only few details about how he intends to make changes in the embattled federal agency at a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Navy Admiral Michael Rogers initially promised to be transparent and responsive about the issue on surveillance practices done at the NSA.

When asked about ex-government contractor Edward Snowden, Rogers' answers were careful, WSJ noted. Snowden leaked classified documents that generated ire about government surveillance.

Telling members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Rogers said, "I don't know that I would use the word 'traitor,' but I certainly do not consider him to be a hero."

WSJ also added that Rogers' way of answering questions from committee members was heard throughout his confirmation hearing. However, he displayed a stronger stance about upholding the rights of US citizens and transparency of practices in the NSA.

"(I would carry out NSA operations) in a manner which protects the civil liberties and privacy of our citizens. I welcome a dialogue on this topic. I think it's important for us as a nation. I look forward to being part of that dialogue. One of my challenges is I have to be able to speak in broad terms in a way that most people can understand," he told the committee.

Also, Rogers also confirmed that the reported Iranian cyberthreat was a significant penetration and that he would be using the incident as a reason to push for an overhaul of the agency's network security, WSJ said.

Aside from his confirmation as the new director of the NSA, the hearing also served as his confirmation for his post as a commander of the US Cyber Command. WSJ noted that the Cyber Command position has always been held by the NSA director. At the moment, Rogers currently serves as the cybersecurity chief of the US Navy.

Tags

NSA new director, Navy Admiral Michael Rogers, Edward Snowden leak

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