Dataveillance

Dear contractors, get ready to share more data with the folks at Homeland Security.

Under new security provisions, authorities will collect information from foreign visitors, cargo companies and federal contractors "as part of an array of controversial last-minute security policies imposed by the Bush administration."

That's according to a USA Today story by Thomas Frank.

It's yet another bet by federal officials that, with enough data and hawk-eyed analysis, they can thwart attacks before they occur. Remember connecting the dots?

Government Inc. believes that data analysis, mining and such theoretically could greatly improve security. But. Such tools must be effective and effectively used. Homeland Security's track record on those two points is mixed, decidedly.

Not surprisingly, businesses complain about the costs. Business folks also "worry that sensitive information could be released if a database is lost or stolen. Some charge the Homeland Security Department with rushing to impose policies and ignoring business concerns," the story said.

"'Industry keeps reaching out to (them), but our comments are continually dismissed,' said Catherine Robinson, director of high-tech trade policy for the National Association of Manufacturers trade group, which represents 14,000 companies.

"Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said that by collecting information electronically, the department can run security checks more quickly than with paper forms, and could flag people or cargo that should be barred from the USA. Some changes have been in the works for more than a year."

By Robert O'Harrow |  January 8, 2009; 9:25 AM ET homeland security
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