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Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Navigating the Data Minefield: Understanding the Importance and Controversy of Data Mining by the FBI, CIA, and NSA

 


When it comes to gathering information on the internet, the amount of data can be overwhelming. It's important to learn how to navigate, search, and organize the information to make the most of it. But, when it comes to data mining, there can be concerns about personal rights and democratic freedoms.

     In the past, there have been issues with domestic spying and abuses of power, especially in the wake of 9/11 and the Bush Administration. The National Security Administration (NSA) was engaged in a massive domestic spying program and any hint of domestic spying or deep diving into one's personal habits via the internet was met with negative reactions.

     But it's important to remember that the goal of data mining is to uncover the truth. It can prevent truth-seekers from being ignored or fired and it can also prevent policy makers from cherry-picking and manipulating scientifically collected and analyzed intelligence to suit their own agendas.

     I remember reading former CIA analyst Susan Hasler’s book “A Novel of the CIA," and it made me think about how former President Trump belittled the CIA and NSA, and how he rendered these agencies to become his political pawns. It bothered me so much that I wrote the piece “How the Politicization of the CIA Places All Americans In Harm’s War”. 

     Nowadays, with the advancement of technology and the increase of data, the CIA, FBI and NSA have been using deep data mining as a crucial tool to gather information, mainly in the fight against terrorism and cybercrime. The agencies have been using machine learning and AI to analyze data from multiple sources, such as social media, to prevent terrorist attacks, track down criminals, and help in other investigations. However, the use of these techniques is still under scrutiny and oversight to ensure that civil liberties and privacy rights are protected. 

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     One specific way the CIA uses data mining is to analyze large amounts of data from various sources, such as social media, to identify patterns and connections that can help in intelligence gathering and investigations. This can include tracking the activities and associations of suspected terrorists, identifying potential threats, and monitoring foreign governments and organizations. The CIA also uses advanced technology such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze data quickly and efficiently, and it may also collaborate with other intelligence agencies and organizations to share information and resources.

     In the novel MISSION OF VENGEANCE, a CIA mole planted inside the NSA named "Stacey" uses deep data mining on her quantum computing to help CIA operative Corey Pearson track down Russian spies. This is an example of how data mining can be used in real-life situations to uncover the truth and help in the fight against espionage.

     There are three good sources to learn more about the intelligence community's use of data mining. The CIA's website (https://www.cia.gov/) is a great resource- they have a section dedicated to "careers" that goes into how the agency uses technology and data analysis in their work. The National Security Agency (NSA) website (https://www.nsa.gov/) is another great resource to learn about data mining- check out their section dedicated to the agency's mission, capabilities, and technology. The NSA site also has a page on "careers" that highlights their use of data analysis and technology.

     Lastly, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is an independent think tank that has a lot of research and reports on data mining and other intelligence-related topics. You can find their publications on this website https://www.csis.org/topic/cyber and specifically on the page https://www.csis.org/topic/cyber/intelligence-community 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.

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