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Allegations by Canadian PM Shed Light on 'Five Eyes' Alliance

  • 29 Sep 2023

Recent claims by Canadian Prime Minister, linking the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil to the Indian government, have drawn attention to the intelligence-sharing alliance 'Five Eyes,' which is believed to have played a role in Canada's accusations against India.

Key Points

  • 'Five Eyes' Intelligence Sharing Network: The 'Five Eyes' is a collaborative intelligence-sharing network comprising over 20 agencies from five English-speaking nations: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • This alliance primarily focuses on surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations.
  • Classified documents exchanged among member countries are labelled 'Secret—AUS/CAN/NZ/UK/US Eyes Only,' giving rise to the name 'Five Eyes.'
  • Origin and Evolution: Formed around the time of World War II, this alliance was initially aimed at countering the Soviet threat during the Cold War.
  • The foundation of 'Five Eyes' was formalized through the British-U.S. Communication Intelligence Agreement (BRUSA), later known as the UKUSA Agreement, in 1946.
  • Canada joined in 1948, while Australia and New Zealand became members in 1956.
  • The existence of this intelligence-sharing network remained top-secret for several decades, with Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam learning about it only in 1973.
  • Operations and Coverage: Initially focused on signals intelligence, the alliance's scope has expanded to address contemporary global challenges such as terrorism and China's increasing influence.
  • Member countries have designated areas of responsibility for SIGINT activities. For example, the United States handles Russia, northern China, most of Asia, and Latin America, while Australia manages southern China, Indo-China, and neighbouring regions like Indonesia.
  • The 'Five Eyes' has diversified its involvement in various areas, including ocean surveillance, defence intelligence, counterterrorism, and intelligence sharing through a collective database called 'Stone Ghost.'
  • Recent Concerns and Criticisms: Concerns have arisen regarding privacy, security, and the operations of this secretive alliance.
  • Critics argue that these agreements lack a legal foundation, bypassing domestic legislation and oversight. The "third party rule" in intelligence-sharing agreements restricts disclosure to third parties and oversight, raising democratic legitimacy concerns.