George Clooney's spy satellite

[Lodestar]

I just heard Clooney mention this satellite in a recent interview and thought he was kidding. He was not. So I went googling
to learn more and found that this was not 'new' news. Just new to me. I thought it might be new to many DUers too so thought
I'd post anyway. While I support Clooney's cause I'm horrified that private satellites are legal!!! I think we need to redefine "human rights abuses" to include privately funded spying. What say you? Are private spy satellites and drones the future without regulation?
And can laws keep up with technological changes?


Actor and activist funds a hi-tech project that is tracking troops and warning civilians of attacks

... Raymond is director of the Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP), which aims to use advanced satellite imagery to monitor potential human rights abuses in Sudan. And it was all Clooney's idea, turning him from just another Hollywood liberal with a pet cause to a genuine expert and campaigner on Sudan. Together with John Prendergast, another campaigner, Clooney has sneaked repeatedly into the country to document the random bombing of civilians and other atrocities.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/mar/24/george-clooney-spies-secrets-sudan

[Egnever]

1. I dont know if laws can keep up.

Mostly because the people writing the laws are mostly technologically averse. Tech is moving incredibly fast I think most legislation we will get will be kneejerk legislation that causes as many problems as it solves.

[Kurovski]

2. that's such a great thing to do...

that I actually deleted my stupid joke about it before posting.

thinking twice before posting is awesome!

[Calista241]

3. Private satellites

You do realize that most satellites are owned by private entities. And do we want to restrist our solar system to "government only" access? Other governments will surely allow their citizens and corporations to develop the resources and technology to explore and develop the stars.

Im not saying there shouldn't be oversight, but a blanket ban is short-sighted and ultimately crippling to our country.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Clooney or his project don't own a satellite

They use satellite photos to find things. Yes, there are satellites that aren't owned by governments. That includes satellites that can take photos - see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_imagery . They're used for Google Maps, for instance. Are you saying Google Maps shouldn't exist?

[Motown_Johnny]

5. You are over reacting

Everyone who has used google earth has looked at photos from a private "spy" satellite.

He/they are just using more recent images that we get.


It isn't a big deal. Plus it is saving lives.