Yahoo Finance French Lawsuit Targets Prism Spying Scheme
Two French human rights groups have filed a lawsuit targeting the US National Security Agency, the FBI and several technology firms allegedly involved in US surveillance schemes.
The complaint denounces US spying methods revealed by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.
The lawsuit was filed against unknown people, but it named Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT - news) , Yahoo (NasdaqGS: YHOO - news) , Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG - news) , Paltalk, Facebook (NasdaqGS: FB - news) , AOL (NYSE: AOL - news) and Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - news) as "potential accomplices" of the NSA and FBI, according to the Reuters news agency.
"This blatant intrusion into individuals' lives represents a serious threat to individual liberties and, if not stopped, may lead to the end of the rule of law," the International Federation for Human Rights and the French Human Rights League said in a statement.
The scandal exploded weeks ago after allegations in The Guardian and The Washington Post that the US had eavesdropped on European internet users and embassies under a surveillance programme called Prism.
The revelations have angered some of America's European allies.
The complaint cites "fraudulent access to an automated data processing system, collection of personal data by fraudulent means, wilful violation of the intimacy of private life and the use and conservation of recordings and documents obtained through such means".
A prosecutor must now decide whether to open an investigation.
Companies including Facebook, Microsoft and Apple have denied allegations that the NSA can directly access their servers.
Snowden, charged with espionage by US authorities, is still believed to be holed up in a Moscow airport.
Three countries have offered him asylum, but the US has revoked his passport.
More From Sky News
