Well many tv viewers tuned into JJ Abrams big television debut of 2011, the show's name is Person of Interest and it appeared to be science fiction something futuristic that JJ Abrams had come up with. However like almost everything we depict in futuristic movies they end up coming into being in one way or another. Only thing is who could have guessed the show would predate the actual technology only weeks before the actual technology got revealed.
What technology am I talking about? In Person of Interest the main character Mr. Finch has developed a computer program and system that predicts criminal intent in the general population. In fact according to the television show Finch initially developed the program for the US Department of Defense to prevent the next 9/11. The basic function of the machine is being able to observe the population and deduct criminal intent based on our behaviors.
In the show the Government is only worrying about large scale attacks like terrorism. The Government doesn't care to use the program to go after smaller time crimes and/or protect the victims of those crimes. The Government is concerned only with preventing the next big attack and using the program and service for its anti-terror capabilities. Mr.Finch hires John Reese a former CIA operative to help him prevent crimes from occurring and protect the victims who may be in danger.
Well today the US Department of Homeland Security announced that they have developed Future Attribute Screening Technology or nicknamed FAST. The program uses camera's and other surveillance devices to monitor the public, using the program's algorithms and parameters it is able to deduct criminal intent in civilians. The program detects behavioral activity and physiological cues which are "indicative of mal-intent." The new product is not expected to be deployed in public areas in the near future.
However the Department of Homeland Security confirms that FAST is operational and has been being tested for awhile now on its staff members. The Government fell short of revealing the results of the testing like how accurate the service is and how well it works in the field. FAST will likely need to be field tested for awhile in some particular public places before it is rolled out on the general public.
In the end FAST sounds very expensive and will require an awful lot more surveillance equipment be deployed in major metropolitan areas. I'm sure privacy advocacy groups will have a field day with Eagle Eye watching us at all times. I'm just surprised to hear this thought to be sci-fi program is actually a reality and already functioning!
Whats your thoughts, is FAST a good thing or bad? What are the future implications of a computer program monitoring your every move and deciding whether you have criminal intent or not? How can this device be used to prevent crimes, could it protect against the next 9/11? Do you feel comfortable with the fact that Eagle Eye (Style) technology that Person of Interest predicted is going to be responsible for your safety in the future?
Sources, Department of Homeland Security confirmation of project, Actual article detailing progress on project!
Or the Homeland Security briefing on FAST found in Adobe here!
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
