Just another Reality-based bubble in the foam of the multiverse.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Mining Instead of Plumbing

Lambert takes note of The New York Pravda's front page tip that hey, Abu Gonzo is up to something funny with this data mining for Terra biz.

What's the bottom line? The surveillance- keeping records of every electron sent in cyberspace- is incredibly inefficient. Trying to sift through it all for real information about terrorism is impossible. Ask engineering or computer science experts. The size alone presents difficulties, not to mention the cryptic problems of tracking information of any one or group who really wanted their plans to take over the world secret.

On the other hand, if you wanted to merely keep tabs on your political rivals, or opposition engaged in totally legitimate activities, the electronic surveillance capabilites of the NSA is your cup of tea.

Or, if you were a private contractor- most of the email interception is carried out by paid spooks- and you wanted to make sure your Congressional overseers stayed bought, keeping track of your Representative's secret love life affords all kinds of lucrative potential.

Who need Plumbers to keep track of an Enemies List, when you've got Miners?

No comments: