Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST)[1] is a program created by the Department of Homeland Security. It was originally titled Project Hostile Intent. The purpose is to detect "hostile thoughts" by screening people at border posts. The DHS science spokesman John Verrico stated in September 2008, that they were at a 78% accuracy on mal-intent detection, and 80% on deception.[2] In a meeting held on July 24, 2008 the DHS Under Secretary Jay Cohen stated, the goal is to create a new technology that would be working in real time as opposed to after a crime is already committed.[3] The new screening technology measures pulse rate, skin temperature, breathing, facial expression, body movement, pupil dilation, and additional cues to see if you are a terrorist, or have intentions of causing harm. The technology would mostly be used at airports, and special events.
Controversy
Due to the ability of the system to 'read people's thoughts', it is potentially in violation of privacy laws such as the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Of particular note is radio host Alex Jones' broadcast which emphasises the controversial nature of the program.[4]
As demonstrated by the GAO Report on TSA’s programs, which include Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST), SPOT, VIPER, etc. these methods that use of adrenaline-driven aggression indicators, i.e. Deception Detection or its derivative microexpressions do identify those with criminal intent to smuggle; they do not identify the terrorist or perpetrator of murder/suicide. Only with intent-driven Cognitive Aggression indicators can one identify the terrorist.
Now controversial full-body scanners along with "Enhanced Patdown" are being implemented in airports, however, smugglers and terrorist overseas are now placing their contraband within their body-cavities. It is, therefore, reasonable to ask TSA, “What’s next?” Learn more http://blog.AggressionManagement.com
- ^ http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2008/09/precrime-detector-is-showing-p.html
- ^ http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=1891
- ^ http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_datamining_July24_2008_minutes.pdf
- ^ YouTube. "Alex Reviews DHS's FAST: The Machine That Reads "Malintent Minds" on The Alex Jones Show". Available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huj2ntG9MOY. Retrieved 2010-03-12