GOVT TO SEARCH FOREIGN NEWSPAPERS FOR "NEGATIVE OPINION"
Eric Lipton writes in the International Herald Tribune (10/5/2006)
that software is being developed to make electronic surveys of
"negative opinion" in overseas publications. Called "sentiment
analysis," the software is being developed in such institutions as
Cornell University, the University of PIttsburgh, and the University of
Utah, Lipton reports.
"The new software would allow much more rapid and comprehensive
monitoring of news media, as the Homeland Security
Department and, perhaps, intelligence agencies look 'to identify common
patterns from numerous sources of information wihch might be indicative
of potential threats to the nation,'" says Lipton, quoting from a
statement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Lipton notes that such research and implementation of the program has
generated concern among foreign news organizations, journalism groups
and privacy advocates.
Among them was one who worried that the information will be used to
"stifle criticism
about an American president or administration," Lipton reports.
The research is current and ongoing, and is funded by a group
associated with the Central Intelligence Agency, according to Lipton.
A database used by researchers includes articles from American
newspapers such as The
New York Times and the Miami Herald, Lipton reports.
Comment: Now our opinions are spied upon?
Posted by Peter Duveen 10/26/2006