Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 525 Self-Destiny: Being at the Highest Level
10:00 AM Pacific Time.

As the public outcry over WeChat's data security issues intensified, an unexpected development brought a dramatic turn to the controversy.

The Washington Post and The Guardian, which initially broke the news about the "PRISM" program, have released several exclusive interview videos on major social media platforms around the world.

The central figure in the video is none other than former agent Edward, the key figure who ignited this global privacy storm.

In one of the videos that quickly went viral globally, the reporter had an in-depth conversation with Edward.

In the video footage, Edward appears calm, but his eyes reveal a hint of weariness and determination.

The reporter leaned forward slightly, probing and asking questions:

"According to the information disclosed, WeChat, the world's largest social networking app, is not on the list of companies cooperating with the Prism program."

Does this mean that WeChat was indeed not involved in the plan?

Edward adjusted his glasses and calmly replied, "The NSA did attempt to include WeChat in its surveillance, but ultimately failed."

The reporter's eyes widened involuntarily: "How is this possible? Can you explain in detail?"

Edward: "WeChat has designed a rather complex technical architecture that implements minimal data collection and layered encryption mechanisms."

Seeing the reporter's slightly confused expression, Edward further explained: "To put it simply, WeChat has strictly classified data types."

The core chat content uses end-to-end encryption technology by default. The encryption key is generated on the user's device, and the message is encrypted at the sending end and decrypted at the receiving end.

What WeChat's servers transmit and store is just a bunch of encrypted text.

“This is one of the most advanced encryption technologies available today,” Edward added.

The reporter nodded thoughtfully: "So, you mean WeChat's encryption technology is so perfect that the NSA is helpless?"

Edward shook his head slightly: "It's not that simple. As far as I know, the NSA did obtain some WeChat data through certain coercive means."

However, analysts later discovered that the metadata they could obtain could only be parsed to extract basic information such as 'who, when, and with whom' in a short period of time.

“While this metadata itself can reveal a user’s social circles and behavioral patterns,” Edward continued, “the inability to access communication content remains a huge drawback.”

Completely cracking this encrypted data would require an unimaginable investment of time and manpower.

Moreover, WeChat's data protection measures are constantly being upgraded and iterated, coupled with the enormous amount of social data generated globally every day..."

Edward paused for a moment, then emphasized, "Even if all NSA employees worked around the clock, it would be impossible to completely crack this code."

The reporter gasped: "This is truly shocking..."

“One more thing,” Edward continued, “WeChat’s database is located in Singapore, Ireland, and Switzerland.”

Moreover, the data structure is specially designed, making cross-border queries extremely inefficient.

This means that even legally obtaining data requires going through complex legal procedures.

The reporter looked slightly relieved: "So, the chat content of ordinary users is still safe?"

Edward suddenly became serious: "I'm sorry, but I don't think that's the case."

The reporter gasped again: "Has the NSA found a way to monitor WeChat?"

“This has nothing to do with WeChat itself,” Edward explained solemnly. “The NSA has found that no matter what the application is, it will ultimately run through a smart device, namely Apple’s iOS system or Google’s Android system.”

Instead of painstakingly attacking individual hardened standalone applications, it's better to directly control the operating system platform they depend on.

The reporter's voice trembled slightly: "You mean...start with the underlying system?"

“That’s right.” Edward nodded. “I’ve seen an evaluation report submitted by NSA engineers, and it clearly pointed this out.”

Edward paused briefly before continuing in a professional tone: "The report emphasizes that this is a strategic choice, not a matter of technical capability."

NSA engineers believe that cracking certain encrypted data on WeChat is theoretically feasible.

However, it requires a huge investment of computing resources and time, costs that far exceed the potential intelligence value.

Given limited resources, we have countless more vulnerable and easier targets.

Edward took a deep breath: "This is not to say that WeChat is unbreakable, but rather that in the global ocean of data, it has been deliberately crafted into a 'hard-shelled boat'."

The monitors, however, clearly prefer to catch the 'unsuspecting fish'.

At this point, Edward couldn't help but reveal a hint of admiration in his tone: "The smartest thing about the WeChat team is that they understood the essence of this surveillance game long ago."

They fully understand that in the face of national surveillance forces, there is no absolute security, only relative costs.

Their goal is never to make themselves 'unbreakable', but to make themselves 'unworthy of being broken'.

Their strategy of focusing resources on increasing their opponent's costs is itself the most brilliant defensive strategy.

The reporter fell into deep thought, then slowly shook his head: "This is truly... thought-provoking."

This interview video, broadcast simultaneously by The Washington Post and The Guardian, instantly caused a global uproar!
The video spread at an astonishing speed on social media platforms such as Twitter and Weibo, topping all the trending lists.

Who is Edward? He is the gravedigger of the "PRISM program" and the "whistleblower" who holds core secrets.

The information revealed by their words carries a natural and unquestionable credibility for the general public.

He clearly explained the technical details and calmly revealed the monitoring logic. Every sentence he spoke was well-reasoned and convincing.

The anger of netizens around the world has found a new outlet.

At an unprecedented speed, the attitude shifted from questioning and resisting WeChat to a deep-seated fear of the two underlying ecosystems: Apple's iOS system and Google's Android system.

Inside the hotel suite, Song Ci sat on the sofa, with a tablet in front of her displaying the public opinion monitoring interfaces of multiple mainstream Western media and social media platforms.

On the screen, the data stream flows like a rushing river, refreshing in real time.

Seeing the labels "WeChatSpy" and "DeleteWeChat" being replaced by new trending topics with overwhelming force, my heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down.

Leaning back deeply into the sofa, my long-strained mind finally relaxed completely for the first time. An uncontrollable smile crept onto my lips, revealing the first genuine smile I'd had in days.

His strategy, the moves he painstakingly made, are gradually showing the expected results. This tactic of diverting disaster is not only precise, but also has an immediate effect!

Shifting the focus of conflict from its own software applications to Apple and Google, the two major owners of the "foundation" of the mobile internet world, is a brilliant move.

Song Ci knew all too well that countless other application companies currently shrouded in the shadow of "Prism" were secretly rejoicing at this very moment.

In the brutal business world, "better to die than to die" is an irrefutable rule of survival.

An invisible alliance based on shared interests has been formed, and everyone is eager to get out of this quagmire as soon as possible.

The information revealed in the video provided them with a perfect "scapegoat," or rather, it drew public attention to the more fundamental issues.

Behind all of this, of course, lies the key figure in the video, Edward.

As the one who revealed the secrets of the entire "PRISM program," Song Ci had already arranged for people to lie in wait for him when he fled to Hong Kong after going through all sorts of hardships.

After a series of secret meetings, Song Ci's side offered Edward a condition he could not refuse:
They used covert methods to provide him with a way to evade capture and ensured the safety of his family.

And a huge aid fund to sustain their long-term livelihood and legal battles.

Both sides got what they wanted and hit it off immediately, which led to the interview video that is now mixed with some strategic guidance amidst the harsh truth.

Seven parts truth, three parts falsehood, it's hard to tell the difference, but it was enough to turn the tide, pull WeChat back from the brink of disaster, and divert the flames of war elsewhere.

Song Ci closed his eyes, contemplating his next move to transform this victory into a more lasting advantage.

Just then, the top-of-the-line encrypted phone on the coffee table emitted a deep, distinctive beep. I immediately composed myself, picked it up, and answered.

“Song! My dear friend!” came the excited voice of John Paulson, an ally and Wall Street tycoon, through the receiver.

"Another wonderful day! Your fund account will soon receive a generous gift, at least $3 million in profits!"

Song Ci's smile deepened, as if everything was under control.

He had already simulated this scenario countless times: once Edward's interview video was released, the core contradiction of the surveillance would shift to the underlying systems of Apple and Google, and the stock prices of these two tech giants, who stand at the top of the world's market capitalization, would inevitably plummet.

He had Paulson mobilize a huge amount of funds well in advance to short these two heavyweight stocks, which were considered the cornerstones of the Nasdaq.

“You absolutely cannot imagine how crazy it is!” Paulson spoke rapidly, recounting the results. “Just before the video was released, Apple’s market capitalization was as high as approximately $4800 billion, making it the undisputed world’s most valuable company!”
Google's market capitalization is approximately $2750 billion, firmly holding its position as the world's third-largest company, second only to ExxonMobil! But now?

He let out a hearty laugh. "The video spread like wildfire, instantly igniting market panic. Apple's stock price plummeted by as much as 5.2% during the day, and Google fared even worse, falling by 5.7%!"

The simultaneous collapse of two tech giants directly dragged down the entire Nasdaq market! I used ten times leverage to short sell, and this time, I made a killing!

“Congratulations. But John, remember to secure your profits as soon as possible,” Song Ci earnestly advised, without a trace of pride in his voice.

He knew very well that this panic-driven sell-off triggered by the sudden event was only temporary.

Apple and Google have deep technological foundations, strong profitability, and huge cash flow.

Once the storm of public opinion subsides and investors return to rationality, its stock price will rebound quickly and may even reach a new high.

"Understood! Don't worry!" The tacit understanding formed over many years of cooperation made Paulson almost regard the judgment of Song poetry as divine.

He chuckled, lowered his voice, and said with a knowing tone, "Song, your scheme is truly astounding."

Two tech empires with market capitalizations in the hundreds of billions, their stock prices behaving like this... Haha, impressive, truly impressive.

Upon hearing this, Song Ci's expression turned serious. He coughed lightly into the microphone and said in a stern tone, "John, watch your words."

Stock price fluctuations are normal; there are stories of people making and losing money on Wall Street every day. These things have nothing to do with me.

“I understand! I understand! Keep a low profile, we must keep a low profile!” Paulson understood immediately and quickly responded.

I had already decided in my heart that this Eastern partner must have been making subtle and intricate arrangements behind the scenes.

What a coincidence! WeChat has just faced a life-or-death crisis, and a key figure has come out to "speak up for it," while the short-selling target has precisely locked onto a giant directly related to it?
This seemingly accidental occurrence reveals a precise inevitability.

However, he and Song Ci are core allies, their interests are deeply intertwined, and they share both glory and fortune.

As for "electronic leaks" and "PRISM program," what do these have to do with him, a Wall Street wolf king who only pursues pure profit?
All he cared about was those green, real US dollars!

After ending the call with Paulson, Song Ci walked to her desk and opened her laptop.

The exposure of the "PRISM program" will inevitably have a profound impact, fundamentally shaking the global internet landscape, rules, and foundation of trust.

Song Ci clearly foresaw that the importance that countries attach to "cyber sovereignty" and "data sovereignty" will be elevated to an unprecedented strategic level.

After the incident, the top leader personally asked him to compile and write a report on how to effectively improve national cybersecurity.

Now that the external public opinion battle has calmed down a bit, he can finally settle down and begin writing the opening section of his report.

In the afternoon, the time for a counterattack was ripe.

As public opinion completely shifted, and the public and media attention was drawn to security vulnerabilities at the operating system level.

Wilson posted on various social media platforms with unprecedentedly strong language, declaring that WeChat has never participated in the "PRISM program".

They also announced that they would sue The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets that had maliciously defamed and spread false information in their previous reports.

They are suing for serious damage to WeChat's global reputation and demanding huge damages for defamation in accordance with the law.

At the same time, WeChat's official website released a major announcement: [WeChat launches the "Transparency Plan" - disclosing its data security architecture to the world].

The announcement outlined three core measures:
1. Proactively invite top-tier, highly credible international third-party security organizations to conduct code audits on WeChat.
2. The plan is to establish 12 data centers globally to achieve localized storage and management of user data.

3. Establish a $5 million data security fund for research and development of cutting-edge privacy protection technologies.
This series of combined moves, like a thunderclap, has caused a huge shock in the global technology community and among users.

Western netizens and media who had previously criticized WeChat have now made a complete 180-degree turn in their attitude.

They highly praised WeChat for its courage, openness, and unwavering determination in protecting user privacy.

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(End of this chapter)