Monday, June 12, 2006

NSA to Harvest MySpace, Social Networks For Data
"A project funded by the National Security Agency aims to profile millions of web users for the purpose of the US' security.

According to New Scientist, the Advanced Research Development Activity carried out research into how to mine data from social websites such as MySpace and Digg. The ARDA, now renamed into the Disruptive Technology Agency, is funded by the NSA and according to Congress, tasked with using NSA cash to "Solve some of the most critical problems facing the US intelligence community".

According to the magazine, 'By adding online social networking data to its phone analyses, the NSA could connect people at deeper levels, through shared activities, such as taking flying lessons. Typically, online social networking sites ask members to enter details of their immediate and extended circles of friends, whose blogs they might follow...'"

(more)