You too can report on your fellow citizens for suspicious activities (or if your prefer you can be reported by someone else). What kind of activity counts as suspicious? According to the FBI the following are included:
"Are overly concerned about privacy, attempts to shield the screen from view of others"
Look, if I am doing some online banking or am composing an email to a friend I don't want someone peeking at my screen. Aren't most Americans "concerned about privacy" and don't most people want to keep their Internet activity to themselves?
"Always pay cash or use credit card(s) in different name(s)"
We have seen the government warn about this before. It appears that from now on using cash in America is going to get you labeled as a potential terrorist. How bizarre is that?
"Act nervous or suspicious behavior inconsistent with activities"
Some people are just naturally nervous. This kind of vague language could be applied to almost anyone.
"Are observed switching SIM cards in cell phone or use of multiple cell phones"
What if your cell phone battery is dead and you need to use your wife's cell phone? Does that make you a potential terrorist?
"Travel illogical distance to use Internet Café"
A lot of times people will use Internet cafes when they are out of town on a trip. Is there something inherently suspicious about that?
"Evidence of a residential based internet provider (signs on to Comcast, AOL, etc.)"
Why in the world would this be considered to be suspicious activity?
"Use of anonymizers, portals, or other means to shield IP address"
These are lots of people out there that take Internet security very seriously and that use things like this. And how would a casual observer know that these kinds of things are being used? You would have to be watching someone pretty closely to know that something like this is going on.
"Suspicious or coded writings, use of code word sheets, cryptic ledgers, etc."
What would "suspicious or coded writings" include? Again, this is very vague language and could include a vast array of different things.
"Encryption or use of software to hide encrypted data in digital photos, etc."
So nobody should use encryption anymore? How do we protect from hackers?
"Suspicious communications using VOIP or communicating through a PC game"
What exactly would fall under the category of "suspicious communications"?
Also, if you are talking to someone through a PC game, there is a good chance that it is a very violent PC game and that you would say something that you normally wouldn't say in real life.
"Refuse cleaning service over an extended time."
This is something that I have done for years. I don't want a maid to wake me up at the crack of dawn. If I refuse cleaning service will that get me put on a list somewhere?
"Use entrances and exits that avoid the lobby."
Many hotels have entrances all around the building so that you don't have to walk a mile to get to your car.
If I walk out a side door directly to my car does that make me a potential terrorist?
"Abandon a room and leave behind clothing and toiletry items."
How many of us have ever left something behind in a hotel room by mistake? Sometimes I triple check the room and still manage to leave something behind.
"Do not leave their room."
Sometimes when you have a day off you just want to stay in bed all day.
Or if you are newly married you may not want to leave your room for a few days.
Should newly married couples be reported to the government as potential terrorists?
Read more at According to the FBI
