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Google Joining Fight Against Drug Cartels

Posted by Soulskill on from the who-gets-to-define-illicit dept.

Several readers sent word that Google has announced its intention to start fighting drug cartels and other 'illicit networks.' According to a post on the official blog, the company thinks modern technology plays a key role in helping to 'expose and dismantle global criminal networks, which depend on secrecy and discretion in order to function.' They're holding a summit in Los Angeles this week, which aims to 'bring together a full-range of stakeholders, from survivors of organ trafficking, sex trafficking and forced labor to government officials, dozens of engineers, tech leaders and product managers from Google and beyond. Through the summit, which lasts until Wednesday, we hope to discover ways that technology can be used to expose and disrupt these networks as a whole—and to put some of these ideas into practice.'

2 of 253 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Next? by Jeremiah+Cornelius · · Score: 4, Informative

    'expose and dismantle global criminal networks, which depend on secrecy and discretion in order to function.'

    http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1227431--hsbc-laundered-billions-of-dollars-for-mexican-drug-cartels-senate-investigation-finds

    http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/21434-dea-laundered-money-for-colombian-narco.html

    At 300 Billion in annual illegal narcotics business? You can bet the real profiters own banks. And won't be targeted by Google's little step into untrustworthyness.

    --
    "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
    Never been known to fail..."
  2. Re:Who are the real "Drug Cartel" ? by LordLimecat · · Score: 4, Informative

    Comparing medical drug monopolies in the US to cartels in mexico displays a shocking ignorance. You may use phrases like "these monopolies are killing us" metaphorically, but in Mexico it isnt so metaphorical. Whens the last time these "vultures" killed several reporters for reporting on them? Whens the last time they killed local police with explosives?

    The utter lack of perspective from so many in the first world is a little depressing. You realize how great your life is in the US, that you can actually GO to a hospital, that you dont have to worry about a drug cartel firebombing your house? That we have freedom of the press here?

    But no, the monopolies here-- not the cartels in mexico-- are the REAL monsters, what with their high prices and all.