This analysis sounds very reasonable and realistic; it does fit the evidence we have so far. The key insight is "automated process" -- and I'm sure the companies involved were really happy with that solution.
This part is a little naive though: "The NSA can begin surveillance on someone(s) for a full week before they have to get the rubber stamp from the secret court"
Since everything is secret, it's difficult for anyone to examine or challenge what the NSA does. If they have a week before going to court it means they have eternity, because no one is going to make sure that provision is always observed.
> Since everything is secret, it's difficult for anyone to examine or challenge what the NSA does. If they have a week before going to court it means they have eternity, because no one is going to make sure that provision is always observed.
"Secret" doesn't mean "code is written by people who don't document it and are then killed after it's shipped". Secret means that they don't trust you with keeping them honest.
This part is a little naive though: "The NSA can begin surveillance on someone(s) for a full week before they have to get the rubber stamp from the secret court"
Since everything is secret, it's difficult for anyone to examine or challenge what the NSA does. If they have a week before going to court it means they have eternity, because no one is going to make sure that provision is always observed.