This Machine Could Be the Next Big Thing in International Espionage. Most People Under 40 Have Probably Never Used One Before.

Parts of the German government could be going retro in response to U.S. National Security Agency snooping, calling up technology that hasn't been commonly used for decades.

In an appearance on a German morning show Monday, the head of the German parliament's NSA investigative committee said his office might start using manual typewriters to evade digital spying.

Patrick Sensburg, whose committee is tasked with determining how much the English-speaking world — and the NSA in particular — is spying on Germany, emphasized the importance of operational security and said his committee has already purchased a "non-electronic typewriter" for potential use.

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The Germans wouldn't be the first to face high-tech threats with a low-tech defense: Last year, word spread that the Russian government was spending tens of thousands of dollars on typewriters in a bid to thwart leaks.

As Ars Technica noted, Sensburg also endorsed modern security measures including smartphone security audits.

"We have to try to keep our internal communication sure to send encrypted e-mails, use crypto phones and other things, and other things that I won’t mention, of course,” he said.

Featured image via Shutterstock

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