“‘NSA takes very seriously allegations of misconduct, and co-operates fully with any investigations – responding as appropriate,’ the NSA said in a statement. ‘NSA has zero tolerance for willful violations of the agency’s authorities.’ It said none of the abuses involved violations of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or the Patriot Act – violations of which have been highlighted by the Guardian based on documents leaked by the whistleblower Edward Snowden. Instead, the abuses were related to misuse of the 1981 Executive Order 12333, which governs how US intelligence operations are used.”
