In 2007 former Qwest CEO Joseph Nacchio alleged in court and provided supporting documentation that in February 2001 ( nearly 7 months prior to the September 11 attacks ) that the NSA proposed in a meeting to conduct blanket phone spying . He considered the spying to be illegal and refused to cooperate , and claims that the company was punished by being denied lucrative contracts
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Global surveillance disclosures (1970–2013)