Lawmaker demands Homeland Security stops Internet spying

[woo me with science]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=post&forum=1002

Lawmaker demands Homeland Security stops Internet spying
Published: 18 February, 2012, 06:45

A congresswoman from California went after the Department of Homeland Security this week, calling their practice of monitoring social media “outrageous” and demanding that the DHS do something else with their money.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-California), had tough words for the DHS during a Homeland Security subcommittee hearing in Washington on Thursday. In particular, Rep. Speier said she was “outraged” that the agency had spent millions of dollars on a private contractor to monitor social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and additionally keep an eye on news sites including Wired, WikiLeaks and the Drudge Report.

Speier specifically called for the DHS to abolish their monitoring program immediately, and in her testimony she cited an Electronic Privacy Information Center request to “suspend the collection of public reaction and reports to policy proposals that reflect adversely on DHS or the government.”

“I for one wholeheartedly agree with their recommendations,” said Speier.

Speier also called into question the $11 million contract that the DHS has with General Dynamics to monitor Web activity, saying it was “irrelevant,” unnecessary and fit for suspension.

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Worth congratulating any representative who speaks out in this way.

[Scuba]

1. Hi Homeland Security guys and gals. Hope you enjoy your time on DU!!! Read and learn!!!

[izquierdista]

2. And if you are working for GD, keep that resume polished

They may demand loyalty from you as an employee, but in the other direction, the street runs as far as you can throw them.