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 "Mal Intent" by screening people for "psychological and physiological indicators"[2] in a "Mobile Screening Laboratory".[3]
Background
The program was under the Homeland Security Advanced Research Agency and the Science & Technology Human Factors Behavior Science Division of DHS. [4]
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.[5] 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.[6] The system measures pulse rate, skin temperature, breathing, facial expression, body movement, pupil dilation, and other "psycho physiological/behavioral patterns" to stop "unknown terrorists". The technology would mostly be used at airports, borders, and special events. [7]
Fox News reported that the mobile units transmit data to analysts, who use "a system to recognize, define and measure seven primary emotions and emotional cues that are reflected in contractions of facial muscles." The system is named MALINTENT. Results are transmitted back to screeners.[8][4]
DHS produced a 'privacy impact assessement' in 2008. It described the system as comprising:[9]
- A remote cardiovascular and respiratory sensor to measure heart rate and respiration
- A remote eye tracker
- Thermal cameras that provide information on the temperature of the skin in the face
- A high resolution video for looking at facial expressions and body movements
- Audio system for analyzing changes in voice pitch
- Possibly other sensors, perhaps pheromone detection
- Anonymized aggregate results of the scanned information
Organizations involved
Controversy
Due to the ability of the system to 'read people's thoughts', it is potentially in violation of privacy laws such as the Fourth and Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Of particular note is radio host Alex Jones' broadcast which emphasises the controversial nature of the program.[13]
See Also
References
- ^ http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2008/09/precrime-detector-is-showing-p.html
- ^ a b c HI-TECH WAR ON TERROR, National Geographic, Photo section #6, retr May 2011
- ^ Office of Procurement Operations Science and Technology (S&T) Stakeholders Conference, January 14, 2008, Defense Technical Information Center, retr May 2011
- ^ a b c UPDATED: DHS Mobile Screening Experiment Arouses Fears, "Mind reading" capabilities "a bit of an overstatement." David Silverberg 09/25/2008, HS Today, retr May 2011
- ^ http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=1891
- ^ http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_datamining_July24_2008_minutes.pdf
- ^ a b c Draper Labs awarded $2.6 million contract by DHS, TERROR RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY REPORT via NewsEdge,02-6-2009, retr May 2011
- ^ z Homeland Security Detects Terrorist Threats by Reading Your Mind, Allison Barrie, September 23, 2008, retr May 2011
- ^ [http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_st_fast.pdf Privacy Impact Assessment for the Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST) Project] December 15, 2008, dhs.gov, retr May 2011
- ^ Batelle Annual Report 2008 pg 9, retr May 2011
- ^ BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE Department of Homeland Security Contract # HSHQDC07C00087 (Sep 2007), from input.com retr May 2011
- ^ Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST) Demonstration Laboratory - HSARPA BAA07-03A, 2007/09/21, retr May 2011
- ^ 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
External links
- DHS project site
- DHS public relations video on FAST, vimeo.com, retr May 2011