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1. Microsoft
Joined PRISM in 2007; provided emails, chats and Skype data to the NSA without user notification, even helping circumvent encryption. In 2013 leaks, it was revealed Microsoft enabled access via FISA for government requests.
2. Google (Alphabet)
Participated in PRISM since 2009, allowing NSA access to Gmail, YouTube and search data. Google also sells location data to brokers that the government buys warrantlessly, enabling mass tracking of Americans.
3. Apple
Added to PRISM in 2012; handed over iCloud, iMessage and FaceTime data. (Steve Jobs passed away in late/2011). Despite public privacy stances, Apple complies with secret FISA orders and has shared device data without warrants under national security pretexts.
4. Facebook (Meta)
Joined PRISM in 2009; provided profiles, messages, and photos to the NSA. Meta routinely discloses user data via NSLs (thousands annually) without warrants, including for domestic investigations.
5. Yahoo
Participated in PRISM from 2008; supplied emails and attachments. Complied with bulk requests (91% of NSA internet data via FISA). Fined $35M by SEC (2017) for failing to disclose 2014 state-sponsored hacks (Russian FSB-linked).
6. AT&T
Key in Upstream program since 2001; taps fiber cables for warrantless NSA access to calls, texts and internet traffic of millions. AT&T built secret rooms for real-time spying, as per whistleblower Mark Klein.
7. Verizon
Under secret FISA orders, handed over metadata (call records, locations) of millions daily without warrants post-9/11. Continues bulk sharing via PRISM and NSLs for FBI/NSA use.
8. AOL
Joined PRISM in 2011; provided emails and instant messages. As part of Verizon since 2015, it now funnels data into broader telecom surveillance pipelines for government access.
9. Skype (Microsoft-owned)
Added to PRISM in 2011; NSA intercepted calls and chats. Post-acquisition, Skype enabled live audio/video taps without warrants, with 98% of PRISM data from Microsoft/Yahoo/Google ecosystems.
10. PalTalk
Participated in PRISM since 2009; shared video chats and user data. Though smaller, it's a U.S. firm emblematic of how even niche platforms feed into state surveillance, often via bundled telecom access.
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