The company's alleged involvement in the NSA's Prism program has put Luxembourg on notice, according to a recent report. October 11, 2013 5:11 AM PDT Skype might soon face some issues in Luxembourg over an alleged link to the National Security Agency's Prism program, according to a new report. The small European country's data-protection commissioner is investigating whether Skype was involved in sharing information on Luxembourg-based users with the NSA, The Guardian reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the investigation. If found guilty of illegally sharing information, Skype could face sanctions and the possibility of criminal charges. Related stories Microsoft acquisitions: Its biggest hits and misses Skype sees 3D video calling in its future Microsoft merges Skype with Outlook in several countries Skype will come with Windows 8.1, Microsoft confirms Skype update sends HD video calling to iPhone, iPad After the NSA's Prism program was revealed earlier this year by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, several technology companies were questioned on their alleged involvement with the program, including Skype. According to the Guardian, Luxembourg's investigation into Skype kicked off immediately after the NSA leaks started. Luxembourg's law prohibits violating user privacy, but does allow for sharing of information with other governments if expressly allowed through a judicial panel or a prime minister tribunal. The Guardian says its sources are unclear whether Skype was given any go-ahead through that allowance to share user information with the US. CNET has contacted Skype for comment on the Guardian's report. We will update this story when we have more information.
The company's alleged involvement in the NSA's Prism program has put Luxembourg on notice, according to a recent report.
Skype might soon face some issues in Luxembourg over an alleged link to the National Security Agency's Prism program, according to a new report.
The small European country's data-protection commissioner is investigating whether Skype was involved in sharing information on Luxembourg-based users with the NSA, The Guardian reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the investigation. If found guilty of illegally sharing information, Skype could face sanctions and the possibility of criminal charges.
Related stories
- Microsoft acquisitions: Its biggest hits and misses
- Skype sees 3D video calling in its future
- Microsoft merges Skype with Outlook in several countries
- Skype will come with Windows 8.1, Microsoft confirms
- Skype update sends HD video calling to iPhone, iPad
After the NSA's Prism program was revealed earlier this year by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, several technology companies were questioned on their alleged involvement with the program, including Skype. According to the Guardian, Luxembourg's investigation into Skype kicked off immediately after the NSA leaks started.
Luxembourg's law prohibits violating user privacy, but does allow for sharing of information with other governments if expressly allowed through a judicial panel or a prime minister tribunal. The Guardian says its sources are unclear whether Skype was given any go-ahead through that allowance to share user information with the US.
CNET has contacted Skype for comment on the Guardian's report. We will update this story when we have more information.
