Gore called the NSA programs unconstitutional and unwise. | M.Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO Al Gore: NSA spying 'unacceptable'

Former Vice President Al Gore slammed the National Security Agency tactics revealed by Edward Snowden as “outrageous” and “completely unacceptable” at a speaking event in Canada.

Speaking at a lecture at McGill University on Tuesday, Gore predicted that lawmakers would scale back the surveillance programs, according to The Canadian Press.


“I think they will have to pull this back,” Gore said in response to a question. “I think you will see a reining in.”

( PHOTOS: NSA spying: 15 great quotes)

He called the programs unconstitutional and unwise.

“[Snowden] has revealed evidence of what appears to be crimes against the Constitution of the United States,” Gore said, saying the programs have gone to “absurd” levels. Citing a CIA scholar, Gore said, “When you are looking for a needle in a haystack, it’s not always wise to pile more hay on the haystack.”