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The NSA Uses the Technology of Telecom Corporations

The common perception of how government agencies use technology is pretty much in line to what people see in the movies. There are high-tech computers that cull billions or trillions of bits of data in seconds, laser eye scanners, powerful satellites that see inside walls and so on. Unfortunately, what’s seen in movies is just that, imagination.

This is especially true with the secretive National Security Agency. The NSA is in charge with following and compiling data on individuals that may be major security risks. While the surveillance agency certainly uses advanced technology, it also has relied on the technology of the biggest telecommunications corporations in operation.

Phone Networks

Under special national security agreements, the NSA has tapped into the lines of all the major telephony players. Not only have they tapped into actual fiber-optic phone cables, usually at major transfer centers on the coasts to intercept international calls, but also the digital networks of phone companies that manage cellular phones.

Internet Services

The convergence of technology has allowed most telecommunications companies to offer more than one service, and now feature telephony along with Internet access and cable television. Agents from the NSA can easily monitor the movements of users across the Internet spectrum of every telecom giant. They can study online correspondence like email and chat, as well as browsing habits to certain websites that have been flagged because of questionable content. They might be even able to get into websites like http://www.direct.tv and the like to see your entertainment activities.

Satellites and GPS

To help manage their networks, especially with cellphones and GPS tracking, telecom corporations own or lease satellites. Having access to these satellites allows surveillance agencies like the NSA to follow pings that track the location of cell phones and the movements of suspicious individuals that might be traveling with GPS devices.

Headquarters

While it can be assured that the NSA headquarters are a boon for futuristic technology, so are the offices of telecom carriers that produce them. That is why the NSA has even set up shop in some telecom offices in closed-off rooms.

To catch the bad guys, agencies like the NSA use the best resources, wherever they are.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: , ,

TOWERS OF POWERS

How would you like to be watched, everywhere you go?  How would you like to go to your local big-box super store, while under surveillance?  If you live in America then you probably are already.  ICx Technologies / FLIR Systems has already been supplying law enforcement departments with a mobile unit they call SkyWatch.  Billed as a Manned Mobile Surveillance System, SkyWatch is essentially a guard booth on a hydraulic lift.  These portable towers are being acquired by police departments in the U.S.A., turning up in public byways and, yes, even retail outlet parking lots.  The booths can house radar and imaging systems, long-distance body heat sensors, and all the basic mod-cons for the officer(s) inside.  The stated reasons for deploying these towers range anywhere from crowd control to counter-terrorism.

HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE

According to the ICx Technologies literature, vantage point counts when policing human behavior.  An officer some 15 feet above us in the safety of a bullet-proof cabin may alleviate some anxieties in an otherwise high-risk environment.  No one wants to see a crime committed where it could have been prevented and, if crime is what these guard towers are hoisted up to deter, then we should be satisfied our tax dollars are as well spent.  Search through the world wide web, though, and a different concern is aired.  Are citizens being intentionally desensitized to police-state maneuvers by the gradual rollout of units like the SkyWatch?  There is speculation that these towers are nothing more than a link in the chain around Liberty’s neck, another example of technology put to ill use.  “May you live in interesting times”, goes the old blessing.  Let us hope it was not meant as a curse.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The History of The FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives List

One of the first aspects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that often comes to mind — other than sneaky men and women in suits with serious expressions — is the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The legend goes that the list originated over a card game in 1949. This game of hearts, played by then FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and the editor in chief of the International News Service, William Kinsey Hutchinson, resulted in an article and then an official list.

The Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list seems commonplace today. It’s posted in government buildings and other public locations, and there’s even a television program called “America’s Most Wanted” that often features the major players on file. Those on the list can be taken off if the charges against them are dropped, they die, or they are taken into custody. If valuable information about a member is tipped and the fugitive is subsequently arrested, there is a reward of $100,000 to the information giver.

The list as of 2011 had members on it dating back to 1984. Most, however, have been placed on the list within the past decade. The list of current fugitives includes the following five individuals:

  • Victor Manuel Gerena: Added in 1984, Gerena has been on the list the longest by far. He is wanted for allegedly robbing $7 million from a company in Connecticut as well as taking employees hostage and administering substances to them.
  • Glen Stewart Godwin: While serving a murder sentence, Godwin escaped from a prison in California. He has also been involved in drug trafficking in Mexico.
  • Osama bin Laden: Easily the most known on the list, bin Laden is wanted for his connection to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, among other things.
  • James J. Bulger: He is wanted for 19 murders in Boston. He was the leader of a Boston crime group involved in numerous wrongdoings in the 1970s and 1980s, the time frame of the murders.
  • Robert William Fisher: In 2001, Fisher allegedly murdered his wife and two children then created an explosion that destroyed the house.
Filed Under: Government Tagged With: , ,

Government Agency Security Clearance Technology

Getting into the high security areas of many government agencies once only took the right form of identification and possibly a brief pat down. Technology then made it possible for building security to check people without having to get up in the form of metal detectors and x-ray scanners.

In the later 20th and early 21st centuries, government agents have employed newer technological methods for security clearance. In fact, with these advanced procedures it’s nearly impossible for someone who isn’t who they say they are to reach the most sensitive area much less even get to the elevator.

Databases

Security personnel at government agencies now have the luxury of conducting swift background checks within voluminous databases that are networked across all law enforcement from the police to the CIA to the FBI. Within seconds a name can be run through a database of wanted individuals from across the globe.

But names aren’t the only thing that can be checked. Government agencies are now collecting DNA databases to search individuals of past crimes they may have committed.

Scanning

What once was the fancy of blockbuster movies is now commonplace in most high-security government buildings: eye and fingerprint scanners. These laser scanners can read a person’s individually unique iris with detailed precision. And instead of forgetting one’s clearance card, agents have the ability of to just place their hands on a sensor that will read their fingerprints.

But why stop at just two parts of the body? The government has added to simple metal detectors entire body scanners that can effectively see underneath clothing. Hiding a weapon within clothing is no longer a reality.

Imaging

People disappear and people age, especially people that are trying to run from something. To keep government workers safe from potential threats, agencies have employed imaging technology that can successfully mimic the aging process of individuals in case they lie and wait for a chance to strike. Images are then distributed to all.

Security is a primary concern of any government agency or building, and maintaining it begins with the best technology.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: ,

Government in Education

Its been well-established by now that the U.S. is not ranking very well in our educational system compared to other countries. Our numbers are shockingly low, which leads us to question where we’re going wrong.

The government is the largest regulator of our educational system. They create the policies and programs that are then interpreted by state governments and individual school districts. Many state governments have gotten rid of valuable programs including physical education, music and art departments, and foreign language. Our children’s intelligence is measured in their abilities in math, science, reading, and writing, instead of taking into account that their success in these subjects is often affected by their involvement (or lack thereof) in the aforementioned removed programs.

Studies have shown that students who study music are better equipped for math classes. Studying art and languages help develop creativity and critical thinking. Physical education encourages healthy living and relieves stress through physical activity. When a child loses out on these programs, it is potentially detrimental to the education that they are forever judged by.

Another tragedy is that many of these programs are not available at the elementary age. While a district may have music or language at the high school level, it is often times too late for them to effectively learn them. It is common knowledge that children are like sponges; they have an amazing capability to learn and retain information. When these programs are delayed until high school, they lose the opportunity to become proficient in any of them.

The moral of the story is: Fight for your kids education. Write to your state’s representative to affect change in our educational system. We need to prepare our children for the future.

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: , ,

The Rise of E-Government

People used to fear trying to interact with the government, be it for a parking space or clearing up tax discrepancies. The fear wasn’t from being scared but out the daunting task of navigating through a seemingly endless bureaucracy. Doing so would eat at someone’s time and money.

Following the lead of many corporations, the goverment has since strived for a better way. The answer has come in the form of an online operation now known as e-government. By reaching out to the government over the Internet, citizens can better search for what they’re looking for or find out who they need to speak to. E-government has made government more efficient in a variety of ways.

Online Records

Instead of actually having to travel to a hall of records, people can access records electronically. They find a diverse set of information from government zoning plans to a personal record of speeding tickets paid.

Electronic access to government records has also helped numerous people win court cases or find incidents of corruption from elected officials.

Online Payment

The fees of missing a payment or paying late on a balance with the government can be steep. Instead of relying on mail service, any payments can be submitted electronically with no hassle.

Online Filing

Countless people wait till the last minute to fill out their tax forms and send them in. With easy online tax filing procrastinating isn’t such a big deal, and they even get delivered to the IRS much faster.

FAQs

Most people reach out to the government to gather much needed, yet mundane, information. Everything from restrictions on liquor sales to laws against chicken coops. Instead of tying someone down responding to such inquiries, people can browse the FAQs of any government body.

Working with a government body can be painful, but working with an e-government can be rather painless.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Tax Debacle of 2011?

The Internal Revenue Service is having an unconventional year when it comes to tax filings in 2011. Because the IRS’s main job is to collect taxes every year, it usually can perform the job smoothly and efficiently. This year, however, there are two factors complicating the annual process. The first involves the United States Congress; the second involves an unfamiliar holiday called Emancipation Day. Both elements of this tax issue are explained in the paragraphs that follow.

Those who believe Congress messes everything up have more proof this year. At the end of 2010, Congress added provisions to the tax cuts performed under the George W. Bush administration. These tax cut changes have created bumps in the IRS’s process of tax filing. There are a number of provisions the IRS must attach to its current system in order for citizens to receive their proper returns. With that being said, there were only three changes made in the tax bill, meaning it will affect very few people. Those who are affected will have to wait until the second half of February to file their taxes.

The second hiccup is Emancipation Day. This holiday, typically celebrated on April 16 in Washington, D.C., happens to fall on a Saturday in 2011. For this reason, it is being pushed to Friday, which positions it on the infamous Tax Day, April 15. Oddly enough, Emancipation Day takes precedence over Tax Day in the hierarchy of federal holidays. Therefore, Tax Day is being nudged into the next week, April 18. Procrastinators may rejoice in knowing they have three extra days to file their taxes. The change is minor, however. The IRS always accepts tax extensions for those who cannot make the deadline.

All in all, tax filing should run as smoothly as any other year. The IRS has been doing its duty since the Civil War.

Filed Under: General, Government Tagged With: , ,

The Role of Biometrics Technology in Government

Being an enormous entity, the government can at times movevery laboriously, necessitating a demand for new ways to efficiently conduct various operations. Since the late 20th century and into the 21st, the government has employed the most modern technology, and even led to the development of some to meet its needs.

One of the fastest growing technologiesused by government is biometrics. In a nutshell, biometrics is the identity recognition of an individual based on biological traits. The usefulness of biometrics in government can be found in many sectors.

Tracking

The allocation of government funds is typically based on head counts. Because of the potential size of the funds, and risk of wasteful spending, it’s important to have accurate numbers. On a federal level, the 10-year census is a prime example. Many people neglect to return their forms for reasons as trivial as inconvenience. With biometrics, citizens could just swipe their hand or finger on a scanner and be counted.

On a local level, social services could really benefit from biometrics. For example, keeping track of the number of homeless people in the area.

The government could also track its own employees to generate ideas for better efficiency and making cuts where possible.

Security

The initial advent of biometrics was for security purposes, and nothing is more concerned about security than government. For most government agencies biometric systems are already in place. From court houses to city halls, biometrics can help identify visitors quickly and help keep each building safe.

Voting

People might also find the luxury of the convenience of biometrics in the voting booth. Instead of getting a registration card, and showing ID, voters could just literally show up and vote.

For conspiracy theorists biometrics presents a scary reality, but for pragmatists they are ideal in making government more efficient and faster.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Pros and Cons of Government DNA Database Technology

After the attacks of September, 11, 2001 revealed a major breakdown in the communications and exchange of information between intelligence agencies, the U.S. Government decided to heavily invest in technology that would help provide greater access to valuable information. One such project was the expansion of the Combined DNA Index System, a database containing the genetic information of criminals submitted from federal, state and local law enforcement.

The purpose is to have more irrefutable evidence of who committed a crime, as well as help solve them. However, even though similar systems have existed in Europe since the 1990s, the idea of a database holding such personal information have left a lot people uneasy. Its purpose is understandable, and its effectiveness has been proven, but it is crossing the line into uncharted territory.

Pros

-Much like running finger prints, or flipping through mugs shots, a record of DNA from convicted offenders can help solve many cases, as many offenders tend to commit further crimes.

-The DNA database can play a pivtol role in court cases, either helping to put the right man behind bars or freeing someone wrongly convicted.

-It provides one more tool for law enforcement to get the upper hand, making it harder for criminals to get away with their deeds.

-Knowing that their genetic information will be archived forever just may help prevent some people from committing a crime in the first place.

Cons

-Major privacy concerns as innocent people, or very low-level offenders, could have their DNA taken from them and stored by the government.

-The database could potentially be accessed by someone with bad intentions with intent to use a person’s DNA for ill purposes.

-Sets a precedent for the government to gather more and more information about its citizens under the guise of safety.

The pros and cons of a DNA database by intelligence agencies and law enforcement are very debatable, and will be for years to come. From such a debate, hopefully a balance between effective capture and prosecution and privacy will be reached.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: ,

Military Technology Favors Brains Over Brawn

The military can always use a few brave, strong men that are willing to risk it all on the battlefield. But they can also use a few nerds that can develop and operate advanced equipment to overtake a hostile enemy. Such is the case with the 21st century military and the deployment of new technology like pilot-less drones and computer coded missiles.

The days of teaching the latest fighting techniques have given way to days of teaching the latest programming techniques, with good reason. By relying on technology, the military can save lives and cause more harm to adversaries, which is why they’ve incorporated it in major areas.

Surveillance

The military had to once launch risky missions to garner useful information such as sending soldiers across enemy lines to flying spy planes over hostile territory. Instead of using these dangerous procedures and risking casualties, the military can check on the enemy from afar with satellite and drone technology. Drones and satellites have the capability of recording movement in real time, and can be done by soldiers safely sitting at computer out of harm’s way.

Fighting

While some of those pilot-less drones are filming, others are cruising around ready to engage the enemy. Sitting at the controls at a base in Nevada, drone pilots can fight the enemy in far off places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Their increased use in both wars is a testimony to their effectiveness.

In other military craft, from tanks to submarines, weapon deployment also goes beyond pushing a button or two using computers that can register coordinates with extreme precision.

Communication

For troops to fight a successful battle they need to communicate as much as possible. Using things like GPS technology allows soldiers to see the positions of their comrades at all times to help coordinate attacks, as well as avoid friendly fire. Additionally, computer technology allows the transfer of classified documents in a quick and secure manner.

The battlefield will always be the arena for the bravest, but it is also becoming the arena for some of the smartest.

Filed Under: Government, Technology Tagged With: , ,
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