Antiterrorist Candid Camera Network Raises Privacy Concerns
The Department of Homeland security is developing a new video sharing system that would allow law enforcement officials to relay video in real time, but privacy advocates are worried the technology will impact on citizens’ privacy.

USA Today’s Mimi Hall says the system, known as “RealEyes,” would allow its agents to use cell phones or e-mail devices to covertly share live video of possible terrorists over a law enforcement network.

“If it passes a privacy test, the technology could allow air marshals, border officers or Secret Service agents to videotape surreptitiously in airports, at border crossings and anywhere else where there’s a possible threat,” Hall says.

But Melissa Ngo of the Electronic Privacy Information Center told Hall the department should proceed cautiously because the government has a post-9/11 record of “expansions into surveillance when there’s no credible threat”

DHS spokesperson Amy Kudwa told Hall that the department is currently conducting a privacy impact assessment.