Get All Access for $5/mo

Vodafone Discloses Widespread Government Spying Across Its 400 Million-Person Network The company's first ever 'Law Enforcement Disclosure' report details how government agencies are tapping customer lines to listen in on and record phone conversations.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The second largest mobile-phone company Vodafone revealed today that government agencies across the world are tapping calls placed over its 400 million-person network, which spans Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

The findings were released in the UK-headquartered company's first-ever "Law Enforcement Disclosure" report, which stated that while 29 countries requested data that had been transmitted over Vodafone networks, six nations gained access without even having to ask. Requests ranged from wiretapping to accessing call and browsing records, Bloomberg reports.

While Vodafone did not name the six nations who were able to access its network without legal notices, it did note that several countries -- including Albania, Egypt, Hungary, India, Malta, Qatar, Romania, South Africa and Turkey -- forbid the disclosure of the form and frequency of surveillance requests.

Of all the countries included in the report, Italy made the most requests for data.

Vodafone and other communications companies have begun disclosing such reports on the heels of the government leak by Edward Snowden last year, which revealed the NSA's far-reaching global surveillance initiatives.

Related: Oh, Snap -- Evan Spiegel 'Mortified' by Vulgar Frat Emails

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

I Tried Buying a Car on Amazon. Here Are the Pros and Cons.

Amazon Autos just launched, and users can buy a new car online. Here's how it works and what needs to improve.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Alexis Ohanian Says This Is His Best Investment So Far: $10,000 Turned Into More Than $17 Million

Ohanian has backed 40 unicorns, but one investment stands out the most.

Starting a Business

Nearly 50% of America's Workforce Has a Secondary Source of Income or Side Hustle. Here Are 7 Steps You Should Take to Create Lasting Value for Yours.

Today's entrepreneurs have the opportunity to generate long-lasting supplementary income if they take these steps.

Business News

Barbara Corcoran Says the Best Entrepreneurs Are Good at This One Thing

Real estate entrepreneur and investor Barbara Corcoran says a few key traits prove effective when starting a business. Here's her top pick.