France summons US ambassador over ‘spying’

The US National Security Agency recorded millions of French phone calls, including those involving individuals with no links to terrorism, Le Monde reported on the 21 October 2013, prompting France to summon the US ambassador for 'immediate' talks.

US intelligence chief James Clapper said on the following day that reports published by French daily Le Monde were 'inaccurate' and 'misleading'.

The media-driven indignation over the spying affairs was leaving the general public cold, some commentators wrote. Others pointed out that Europe was finally taking data protection more seriously as a result of the disclosures.

• Primary Source

France24 International, 23.10.13: US spy chief says Le Monde allegations ‘inaccurate’ http://www.france24.com/en/20131023-usa-criticises-nsa-spying-claims-france-le-monde-inaccurate

BBC News, 23.10.13: James Clapper: Reports US tapped French phones 'false' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24633108

France24 International, 22.10.13: Hollande, Obama discuss latest US spying allegations http://www.france24.com/en/20131022-hollande-obama-nsa-spying-reports-le-monde-phone-call-france

Deutsche Welle, 23.10.13: US intel chief Clapper denies French phone spying allegations http://dw.de/p/1A4l3

Deutsche Welle, 21.10.13: Washington seeks to ease tension in France over NSA spying claims http://dw.de/p/1A3o7

ESO: Background information: European Council, Brussels, 24-25 October 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-council-brussels-24-25-october-2013/

Euro|Topics, 22.10.13: NSA scandal reaches France http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/aeltere/NEWSLETTER-2013-10-22-NSA-scandal-reaches-France

ESO: Background information: EU lawmakers vote stricter data privacy rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-lawmakers-vote-stricter-data-privacy-rules/

ESO: Background information: German press says US bugged UN, EU teleconferences http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-press-says-us-bugged-un-eu-teleconferences/

Le Monde, 23.10.13: Europe should create Web 3.0 (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/4263471-europe-should-create-web-30

ESO: Background information: France 'has vast data surveillance' - Le Monde report http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-has-vast-data-surveillance-le-monde-report/

---