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Disseminating the Identity of a U.S. Person When an Imminent Threat Exists

SUMMARY

Under USSID SP0018, a signals intelligence organization can publicly disclose a U.S. person mentioned in an intercepted communication if there is an “imminent or immediate threat” to a person’s safety. “Imminent and immediate” means within a 24-hour period, so an agent could reveal the identity of someone who has just been kidnapped, but not someone who could be kidnapped in two weeks.

DOCUMENT’S DATE

Oct 19, 2005

PUBLICLY AVAILABLE

Mar 01, 2018