FBI data mining, here we go again

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In summary, the FBI is requesting $12 million to set up a National Security Branch Analysis Center with 59 employees, including 23 contractors and five FBI agents. The center is expected to hold 6 billion records by 2012 and has been criticized for potentially violating privacy rights. The FBI has had previous unsuccessful attempts at data mining and there are concerns about the reliability of outside contractors handling the data.
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edward
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[/QUOTE=]The FBI is seeking $12 million in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 for its Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force to set up a National Security Branch Analysis Center, with 59 employees, including 23 contractors and five FBI agents.

Justice Department budget documents submitted to Congress predict the center will hold 6 billion records by 2012 and "the universe of subjects will expand exponentially." That would equal "20 separate 'records' for each man, woman and child in the United States," the congressmen wrote.[/QUOTE]

This might make some people feel safer, but judging on their past record I still think that they are trying to collect too much data. If one wants to find a needle in a haystack one should start by making the haystack smaller not larger.

What the heck is the NSA doing with all of their data that they can't share. The more data collected the greater the chance that it will be misused or end up in the wrong hands.

The FBI was not successful with their previous massive attempt, nor did they operate within the law.

-The FBI junked its Virtual Case File computerized records system in 2005 after spending $170 million without solving technical troubles. The replacement is reportedly running behind schedule.

-An FBI consultant was able to hack into classified bureau computers last year and access counterespionage and witness protection files and 38,000 FBI passwords, including Director Robert Mueller's.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1153AP_FBI_Data_Mining.html
 
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edward said:
If one wants to find a needle in a haystack one should start by making the haystack smaller not larger.
I'm not sure you understand the concept of data mining. The idea is to gather as much data as you can get and use powerful computers to analyze it.
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
I'm not sure you understand the concept of data mining. The idea is to gather as much data as you can get and use powerful computers to analyze it.

I definitely understand Russ. The problem is that the outside contractors who will be operating those powerful computers don't have a solid record for being reliable.

The previous data mining program was shut down in 05 because it was unmanageable. I can't see where an even larger system is going to do any better.
 

What is FBI data mining?

FBI data mining is a process in which large amounts of data are collected, analyzed, and searched for patterns or connections in order to identify potential threats to national security or criminal activity. This data can include personal information, such as phone records, financial transactions, and internet activity.

Is FBI data mining legal?

FBI data mining is legal as long as it follows established laws and regulations, such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the USA PATRIOT Act. However, there has been controversy surrounding the use of data mining by the FBI and concerns about privacy rights.

How does FBI data mining work?

FBI data mining uses complex algorithms and software to analyze large amounts of data from various sources. This data is then compared to known patterns of criminal or terrorist activity to identify potential threats. It can also be used to identify new patterns or connections that may not have been previously known.

What are the benefits of FBI data mining?

The main benefit of FBI data mining is that it can help identify potential threats to national security or criminal activity more efficiently and effectively. It can also help law enforcement agencies to prioritize their resources and focus on high-risk individuals or groups.

What are the concerns about FBI data mining?

There are several concerns about FBI data mining, including potential violations of privacy rights, the accuracy and reliability of the data being collected, and the potential for abuse of power. There are also concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight in the use of data mining by the FBI.

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