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I don't imagine they have raw sql access but you probably have an API that takes a name or social or other identifier and returns relevant results. This access may have been granted to an account that is not described as "FBI" it's probably another sub-contractor or analytics provider.

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You are incorrect. None of the companies we are talking about would build this backdoor interface and grant access like that to a shell company or contractor. If they wouldn’t do it for the TLAs directly, why on earth would they do it for a third party?

> why on earth would they do it for a third party

- Legally: They get served a NSL with a gag order forcing them to add the backdoor without telling you, on penalty of prison time

- Extra-legally: They get blackmailed by a TLA do add access and cover it up, or else.

("They" is not necessarily the company's CEO/CTO, but a sufficiently senior DBA/network admin.)

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