General Discussion

Tx4obama

(36,974 posts) Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:19 PM Jun 2013

The talking heads on TV are still getting one of the main points regarding meta-data wrong...

Guy on MSNBC just said: ... wouldn't it be better for (NSA or FBI or whoever) to just wait and go to the telecoms once they have a lead on who they need the data on instead of NSA storing five years of data.... (paraphrasing here)

The POINT is that the telecoms do NOT store meta-data for very long.

It has been said many times that most telecoms delete their older meta-data after 30 to 90 days.

So, IF the NSA doesn't store it in back-up databases there will be NO data.

IF a regulation were to be issued that made the telecoms to keep meta-data for five years then that cost would be passed onto the customers!

Why do folks keep missing this.

8 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

The talking heads on TV are still getting one of the main points regarding meta-data wrong... (Original Post) Tx4obama Jun 2013 OP

I believe it's called "willful ignorance" . Nt pkdu Jun 2013 #1

I would agree with your assessment Skittles Jun 2013 #8

And one of those guys -I forget who- said 'massive collection of phone calls'. randome Jun 2013 #2

Because they're fucking stupid. sagat Jun 2013 #3

And the NSA is storing it for free? Arctic Dave Jun 2013 #4

Exactly DURHAM D Jun 2013 #5

I doubt it's that short, as they do need it for billing purposes. Benton D Struckcheon Jun 2013 #6

Wrong. Pholus Jun 2013 #7

pkdu

(3,977 posts)

1. I believe it's called "willful ignorance" . Nt

Reply to Tx4obama (Original post)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:21 PM

Jun 2013

Skittles

(172,879 posts)

8. I would agree with your assessment

Reply to pkdu (Reply #1)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:42 PM

Jun 2013

only because I do not believe anyone can be that naive

randome

(34,845 posts)

2. And one of those guys -I forget who- said 'massive collection of phone calls'.

Reply to Tx4obama (Original post)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:23 PM

Jun 2013

After all this time, they still don't understand what metadata is. Incredible.

[hr]
[font color="blue"][center]You should never stop having childhood dreams.[/center][/font]
[hr]

sagat

(241 posts)

3. Because they're fucking stupid.

Reply to Tx4obama (Original post)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:26 PM

Jun 2013

Arctic Dave

(13,812 posts)

4. And the NSA is storing it for free?

Reply to Tx4obama (Original post)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:29 PM

Jun 2013

So we pay for it out our taxes that are out of control.

Derp derp derp.

DURHAM D

(33,090 posts)

5. Exactly

Reply to Arctic Dave (Reply #4)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:33 PM

Jun 2013

Shouldn't our phone bills go down?

Benton D Struckcheon

(2,347 posts)

6. I doubt it's that short, as they do need it for billing purposes.

Reply to Tx4obama (Original post)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:34 PM

Jun 2013

I just did a quick Google and found they keep it for a year, allegedly.
This would make more sense. I'd think the current stuff is kept on a live database and the older stuff is backed up in a compressed format to be referred to if needed for older billing inquiries.
Keeping this data around would involve minimal cost actually. Most large companies have a department that handles data archiving, and if you need older stuff restored you can get it done by request.

Pholus

(4,062 posts)

7. Wrong.

Reply to Tx4obama (Original post)

Mon Jun 24, 2013, 07:34 PM

Jun 2013

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/09/cellular-customer-data/

Mobile call detail records are stored between 1-7 years depending on the carrier.

Reply to this discussion

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.