Germany considering using typewriters to counter NSA spying

BERLIN, July 15 (UPI) --Germany is considering going "old school" in order to counter NSA spying by having their politicians and top officials ditch their computers to use typewriters.

Christian Democrat Patrick Sensburg, the head of the Bundestag's parliamentary inquiry into NSA activity, revealed the possible change during an interview with the Morgenmagazin TV program. On Monday night, the interviewer somewhat jokingly asked whether the government was considering typewriters to protect its communication from electronic surveillance.

"As a matter of fact, we have -- and not electronic models either," Sensburg responded. When pressed for confirmation, Sensburg said, "Yes, no joke."

German media has reported that the revelations brought to light by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden encouraged politicians and government workers to avoid email, texts and phone calls.

"Those concerned talk less on the phone, prefer to meet in person. More coffees are being drunk and lunches eaten together. Even the walk in the park is increasingly enjoying a revival," reported Die Welt.

Germany is not the only country considering the retro tactic. Russia's Federal Guard Service reportedly spent more than $14,800 on electric typewriters in 2013, just after Snowden started leaking documents.

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Germany considering using typewriters to counter NSA spying