You're being watched -far beyond the NSA's domestic spying program

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-donohue12jan12,0,2143231.story?track=tottext,0,7324019.story?track=tothtml

From the Los Angeles Times
You're being watched ...
Efforts to collect data on Americans go far beyond the NSA's domestic spying program.
By Laura K. Donohue

January 12, 2006

<snip>Since 9/11, the expansion of efforts to gather and analyze information on U.S. citizens is nothing short of staggering. The government collects vast troves of data, including consumer credit histories and medical and travel records. Databases track Americans' networks of friends, family and associates, not just to identify who is a terrorist but to try to predict who might become one.<snip>

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency runs a data-mining program called Evidence Extraction and Link Discovery, which connects pieces of information from vast amounts of data sources. The Defense Intelligence Agency trawls intelligence records and the Internet to identify Americans connected to foreign terrorists. The CIA reportedly runs Quantum Leap, which gathers personal information on individuals from private and public sources. In 2002, Congress authorized $500 million for the Homeland Security Department to develop "data mining and other advanced analytical tools." In 2004, the General Accounting Office surveyed 128 federal departments and agencies to determine the extent of data mining. It found 199 operations, 14 of which related to counterterrorism.

What type of information could these mine? Your tax, education, vehicle, criminal and welfare records for starters. But also other digital data, such as your travel, medical and insurance records — and DNA tests. Section 505 of the Patriot Act (innocuously titled "Miscellaneous National Security Authorities") extends the type of information the government can obtain without a warrant to include credit card records, bank account numbers and information on Internet use.

Your checking account may tell which charities or political causes you support. Your credit card statements show where you shop, and your supermarket frequent-buyer-card records may indicate whether you keep kosher or follow an Islamic halal diet. Internet searches record your interests, down to what, exactly, you read. Faith forums or chat rooms offer a window into your thoughts and beliefs. E-mail and telephone conversations contain intimate details of your life.<snip>

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. They were doing this on a small scale back in the 60s

My brother was in the Army, and was up for some kind of security clearance. Out of the blue, an FBI agent came to our house and interviewed my mother and me. He casually mentioned our trips the last couple of years, the organizations my mother belonged to, etc. etc.

I figure the electronic age has just made data mining easier.

[DBoon]

3. They still do this for security clearances

and the intrusive nature of the clearance process is one argument I have against excessive classification of government information

Requiring people to go through a very intimidating process just to access information, visit sites, etc. as part of their normal work day makes them reluctant to exercise what would normally be regarded as normal civil liberties.

The folks I know with high level clearances are very concerned about who they associate with.

[papau]

2. I liked the 5 suggested principles to be used by Congress in reviewing

First, they suggest Congress ask what information, exactly, is being collected and are we ignoring traditional warrant requirements/or dodging weak privacy laws by outsourcing the job.
Second, who has access and what restrictions on how it can be used or shared? Third, who authorized data mining, and is its use restricted to identifying terrorists? Fourth, what is the collective effect of these programs on citizens' rights - folks inhibited in what they say and do?...free speech and freedom of assembly eroded.

Fifth, how do these data collection and mining operations deal with error? As anyone who's tried to dispute an erroneous credit report can attest, once computer networks exchange data, it may be difficult to verify its accuracy or where it entered the system. Citizens who do not know they are under surveillance cannot challenge inaccurate information that may become part of their secret digital dossier.

[reelcobra]

4. telephone records

Anyone can spy on anyone now. Cell phone records are public information. The FCC should look into it now that that Powell moron is gone...

[Tace]

5. Thanks Papau -- This Is An Important Story

I think it helps for people to understand just how naked they are, privacy wise. A big problem with this is the huge potential for abuse by those who don't have our best interests at heart.

[katty]

6. NSA so GD bored they have to watch me?!