LONDON — Vodafone, one of the world’s largest cell-phone companies, revealed the scope of government snooping into phone networks Friday, saying authorities in some countries are able to directly access an operator’s network without seeking permission.
The company outlined the details in a report that is described as the first of its kind, covering 29 countries — in Europe, Africa and Asia — in which it directly operates. It gives the most comprehensive look to date on how governments monitor the mobile phone communications of their citizens.
The most explosive revelation was that in a small number of countries, authorities require direct access to an operator’s network — bypassing warrants. It did not name the countries.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.