FBI Program Targets Bad People, But Could Cost You a Job or a License

The FBI has been quietly using a program called ATS (Automated Targeting System) for two years in an effort to spot criminals and terrorists based on what the government sees as key indicators of potential bad guys. The system looks at things like how you pay for your ticketes, your motor vehicle record (huh?), seat preference and meal choice (right, crooks and terrorists are probably vegans, eh?).

This is another of those "if you're not a bad guy, what are you worried about?" things the government does and naive people rationalize. But this one has a kicker: the data can be shared with a broad array of people including private industry, but not with the person being rated.

"The government notice says ATS data may be shared with state, local and foreign governments for use in hiring decisions and in granting licenses, security clearances, contracts or other benefits. In some cases, the data may be shared with courts, Congress and even private contractors."

Your government doesn't trust you. Should you trust your government?