Level 3 says Global Crossing deal with U.S. did not allow for snooping

Fiber optic network provider Level 3 Communications Inc said a 2003 network security agreement signed by its unit Global Crossing did not include any provision for unauthorized surveillance by U.S. government agencies. "There is no provision in the terminated or existing network security agreement that permits the U.S. government to compel Level 3, or require Level 3 in any way, to cooperate in unauthorized surveillance on U.S. or foreign soil," the company said. It said the agreement does require it to comply with "lawful U.S. process," under applicable law.