Siemens has developed a multi-purpose surveillance system that can scan and integrate different types of automated data, including telephone calls, email, Internet activity, bank transactions, and insurance records.  The system uses advanced pattern recognition to detect unusual activity and important data.

According to a document obtained by New Scientist, the system integrates tasks typically done by separate surveillance teams or machines, pooling data from sources such as telephone calls, email and internet activity, bank transactions and insurance records. It then sorts through this mountain of information using software that Siemens dubs “intelligence modules”.

This software is trained on a large number of sample documents to pick out items such as names, phone numbers and places from generic text. This means it can spot names or numbers that crop up alongside anyone already of interest to the authorities, and then catalogue any documents that contain such associates.

Once a person is being monitored, pattern-recognition software first identifies their typical behaviour, such as repeated calls to certain numbers over a period of a few months. The software can then identify any deviations from the norm and flag up unusual activities, such as transactions with a foreign bank, or contact with someone who is also under surveillance, so that analysts can take a closer look.

“THIS data allows investigators to identify suspects, examine their contacts, establish relationships between conspirators and place them in a specific location at a certain time.”

However, it is far from clear whether the technology will prove accurate. Security experts warn that data-fusion technologies tend to produce a huge number of false positives, flagging up perfectly innocent people as suspicious.

So, it’s been sold to more than 60 countries, yet no one knows how accurate it is going to be.  We already know that more surveillance doesn’t not equal more security, but these governments appear more than ready to purchase systems to collect data on all its citizens, regardless of its usefulness.  Given Siemens recent track record, is it such a wonder that they created this system?

This system is not designed for catching terrorists.  It’s designed to collect data on the largest swath of people possible.  The data can then be manipulated however it wants to be.  All it takes is for that one day you change your routine and the gestapo er police will be coming ’round for a visit.