Slashdot Mirror


US Set to Use Spy Satellites on US Citizens

duerra writes "A plan to use U.S. spy satellites for domestic security and law-enforcement missions is moving forward after being delayed for months because of privacy and civil liberties concerns. The plan is in the final stage of completion, according to a department official who requested anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly about it. While some internal agencies have had access to spy satellite imagery for purposes such as assisting after a natural disaster, this would be the first time law-enforcement would be able to obtain a warrant and request access to satellite imagery."

12 of 513 comments (clear)

  1. Oblig. by mrbcs · · Score: 5, Funny

    1984? Shit, America is making Orwell look like an optimist.

    --
    I'm not anti-social, I'm anti-idiot.
  2. If only... by CormacJ · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'd be all for this, if I was allowed to use its search engine and see what I did after I went to the bar last night. ..

  3. Re:Oblig. 1984 in the UK by JonathanR · · Score: 3, Funny

    stinkin spy satellites..... Ahhh... so that's where the outer-space smell comes from...
  4. In related news... by CmdrRickHunter · · Score: 2, Funny

    In related news, sales of Green Laser Pointers have shot up 200%. Favorites now include several models 5 or 10 mW on the side of decidedly unsafe! Gov't looks into sunglasses for spy satalites

  5. Re:W00t. 1st post by Nullav · · Score: 5, Funny

    Either way, it's probably a good time to start learning Chinese.

    Or Canadian.
    --
    I just read Slashdot for the articles.
  6. Slashdot users are immune... by NotQuiteReal · · Score: 4, Funny

    There isn't a satellite made that can see into your mom's basement.

    --
    This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
  7. Re:Oblig. 1984 in the UK by MightyYar · · Score: 3, Funny

    500? I thought America's education system was bad.

    --
    W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
  8. Judas Priest had their number by jollyreaper · · Score: 2, Funny

    Up here in space
    Im looking down on you
    My lasers trace
    Everything you do

    You think youve private lives
    Think nothing of the kind
    There is no true escape
    Im watching all the time

    Im made of metal
    My circuits gleam
    I am perpetual
    I keep the country clean

    Im elected electric spy
    Im protected electric eye

    Always in focus
    You cant feel my stare
    I zoom into you
    You dont know Im there

    I take a pride in probing all your secret moves
    My tearless retina takes pictures that can prove

    Im made of metal
    My circuits gleam
    I am perpetual
    I keep the country clean

    Im elected electric spy
    Im protected electric eye

    Electric eye, in the sky
    Feel my stare, always there
    Theres nothing you can do about it
    Develop and expose
    I feed upon your every thought
    And so my power grows

    Im made of metal
    My circuits gleam
    I am perpetual
    I keep the country clean

    Im elected electric spy
    Im protected electric eye

    --
    Kwisatz Haderach
    Sell the spice to CHOAM
    This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
  9. Re:What about Google Earth, you OK with that too? by circj · · Score: 2, Funny

    I am bald, you insensitive clod!

  10. Re:W00t. 1st post by wellingj · · Score: 2, Funny

    Let alone lasers which can shoot though walls and ceilings.

  11. Re:W00t. 1st post by grimmfarmer · · Score: 3, Funny

    Note to self: do not leave diabolical plans facing upward on deck whilst sunning self...

  12. Re:I am a member of the US Intel community. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Dear bryce1012,

    Thank you for your letter of support. It means so much to us to know that you good folks in "the trenches" believe that what we are doing is worthwhile, and that you support our enlargement of powers (and our newfound responsibilities)! In summary, we hope we can continue to count on your unconditional support, no matter what happens.

    - The Government.