Reported by the Wall Steet Journal:
The Department of Homeland Security will begin the first phase of a satellite surveillance program. Surprisingly, the department has not guaranteed or ensured that the program will not break any privacy laws. The spy program, known as the National Applications Office, is meant to provide government officials (on multiple levels) with access to satellite imagery. This pertains to security needs, such as identifying weaknesses at borders and ports, and was also created with the intentions of assisting emergency response.
The critics of the NAO feel that using satellites in this manner violates our civil liberties and privacy rights. Nothing has been said about protecting Americans from using the satellites for eavesdropping. The only response is that the government stated they won't spy on us. Now that I have their word we can move on...
A 60-page report on the NAO showed some very important flaws to the system. The report showed that there is no assurance that the system won't be misused by other agencies. The response to this was for the government to "ensure that legal reviews and protection of classified information will be effective."
As of Tuesday, the bill was signed and a limited version is allowed to be tested, which will only have the capabilities for emergency response and scientific needs. Homeland security and law enforcement measures will be implemented as the NAO continues to meet its requirements. This seems like a pretty decent compromise since the only other step would have been to completely disband the project. This measure can help the fight against terrorism and protect our borders at their most vulnerable points, but still needs some time to iron out the kinks.
I, of course, am concerned about the privacy issues that will arise with the implementation of the NAO. One of the major criticisms presented with the limited version is what exactly are the requirements that need to be met? Are these requirements very easy, or overly difficult, to attain? Or are they able to be modified to benefit the pro-NAO parties involved and get the system implemented faster? Also, how can I be assured that my privacy will be protected? Especially in the case of national security, everyone becomes a suspect. This could be a very beneficial program, but with the billions of dollars required to create NAO and the possible privacy risks something more than "we said your privacy will be secured so believe us," needs to be done.
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