Does Using Skype Authorize NSA Spying?

A Skype user over at Grain of Salt has discovered an interesting caveat in the “To whom does Skype transfer Your personal information?” section of their privacy policy:

Except as provided below, Skype shall not sell, rent, trade or otherwise transfer any Personal and/or Traffic Data or Communications Content to any third party without Your explicit permission, unless it is obliged to do so under applicable laws or by order of the competent authorities.

[…] Please be informed that, notwithstanding the abovementioned, in the event of a designated competent authority requesting Skype or Skype’s local partner responsible towards such authority, to retain and provide Personal and/or Traffic Data, or to install wiretapping equipment in order to intercept communications, Skype and/or its local partner will provide all necessary assistance and information to fulfill this request. [emphasis added]

So, it seems if the “competent authority” that is the NSA comes asking for a sneak peek at your Skype account, they’ll be welcomed in with open arms.

Memo to self: cancel Skype account

[via Pogo Was Right]