The National Security Agency is collecting data about a substantial fraction of all domestic phone calls. This talk will examine several technical tradeoffs surrounding the phone data program. How effective is such a program likely to be in identifying potential terrorists or clearing up false suspicion? How easily can enemies evade the program? Can the program be redesigned to better protect privacy, without losing effectiveness? In general, can intelligence agencies carry out their analysis and data processes in a way that better protects the privacy of innocent people?

Edward Felten is Director of Princeton's Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP), a cross-disciplinary effort studying digital technologies in public life. CITP has seventeen affiliated faculty members and maintains a diverse research program and a busy events schedule. Dr. Felten's research interests include computer security and privacy, and public policy issues relating to information technology. Specific topics include software security, Internet security, electronic voting, cybersecurity policy, technology for government transparency, network neutrality and Internet policy.