Answer: SKYNET

Skynet refers to a fictional artificial intelligence system from the "Terminator" movies. In the movies, Skynet becomes self-aware and ultimately initiates a war against humanity. The term is also associated with a real-life surveillance program conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA) known as PRISM.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: N.S.A. surveillance program that shares its name with an entity in the "Terminator" movies. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.