If you tweet about the flu, police, or bombs, chances are your account is raising red flags at the Department of Homeland Security. You might not go to jail but you’ll soon become a “person of interest.” Why? Because as of February 2011, the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has started tracking specific keywords initially as a way to abreast of breaking news as it relates to security issues, however they have now expanded their efforts by releasing a 285 page document which shows the DHS paid over $11 million to General Dynamics to provide them with periodic reports of Internet surveillance.
If you’re concerned about raising red flags, you can scan the complete list of DHS keywords courtesy of the AnimalNewYork.com. Aside from using a keyword search, the DHS has also created fake social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook called bots. Bots have generic profiles about making money, selling ads, or providing a free service. Their accounts have hundreds of followers (other DHS bots) and the tweets are generic with no real content. While you might be excited about new followers on your Twitter account, they are most likely DHS spies.
The DHS will soon be expanding its search from keywords and bots to scanning blogs. Perhaps, they might move onto email next or Google search history? Either way, be careful what you tweet and stay aware of the keyword buzz list.
Are you concerned about the DHS watching you and do you think your account has made their list?
