Thursday, May 28, 2009

Freedom to Not Smile for Endemic Spying Purposes


Facial recognition software requires consistent images to work well. In that regard, the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles asks customers not to smile for their driver's license picture.

Where do these pictures end up? Do they reside in a massive database, contracted to a private company by Homeland Security? Are they used by international security types, intent on protecting hegemonic powers?

Don't forget America's use of domestic satellite imagery and the countless ways our government monitors citizen activity. It's a shame the same scrutiny isn't given to America's power elite. What system tracks insider ties and the awarding of trillions in government monies? None that I'm aware of. My guess is the U.S. President can smile all he wants over this disparity.