Data security charge for former CIA boss
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The former head of the CIA is to face a criminal investigation into charges that he illegally put highly classified data on his home computer.
The inquiry follows allegations that the US government applied lax standards to its most senior officials when those lower down the hierarchy were charged with spying. It also follows a series of embarrassing losses of personal computers by American and British spies, raising questions about the agencies' security policies.
The data that John Deutch put on his home computer included memos to President Bill Clinton and details of highly classified covert operations. The CIA knew about it, but appeared to consider it a minor lapse. Now, in response to widespread criticism, the Justice Department and the FBI will determine whether he broke the law and should be punished, the New York Times reported yesterday.
The case was highlighted after Wen Ho Lee, a nuclear scientist suspected of espionage, was charged for transferring data to a non-secure system. Mr Lee was alleged to have spied for China.
Mr Deutch has apologised for the incident. "At no time did I intend to violate security rules. Fortunately, there is no evidence of compromise. I very much regret my errors."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments