Friday, December 03, 2010

Feds tracking American's credit card and travel purchases


And yet some people think WikiLeaks is the problem? No, it's programs like this and an out of control government that is the problem. Transparency and accountability is a good thing. Let's talk about who is the real rogue and who hates freedom.

Federal law enforcement agencies have been tracking Americans in real-time using credit cards, loyalty cards and travel reservations without getting a court order, a new document released under a government sunshine request shows.

The document, obtained by security researcher Christopher Soghoian, explains how so-called “Hotwatch” orders allow for real-time tracking of individuals in a criminal investigation via credit card companies, rental car agencies, calling cards, and even grocery store loyalty programs. The revelation sheds a little more light on the Justice Department’s increasing power and willingness to surveil Americans with little to no judicial or Congressional oversight.

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