Irishman Leigh Van Bryan’s experience with the Department of Homeland Security was horrific. Last month he was put on the “watch list”, interrogated, incarcerated and made to pay for his own deportation all because of some slang he used on Twitter.
The Department of Homeland Security has an automatic algorithm combing social media websites to pick out persons of interest. In December, Van Bryan, who planned on going on vacation to LA with his friend Emily Bunting, tweeted “Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America”. His use of the British slang “destroy” (“to party”) meant his tweets were monitored over the coming weeks.
Paul Quigley, founder of Newswhip.ie, explained in his column on Journal.ie, that the Department of Homeland Security would have picked the Irish tourist’s tweets, out of the daily 250 million posted everyday worldwide, using what is known as the “firehose”.
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He explains that companies who are managing a brand such as Coca Cola, or even media groups such as NewsWhip, monitor social media networks and gather data using “sentiment analysis”. For example, a company like Coca Cola would monitor the Internet for phrases such as “I hate Coca Cola” or the words “Coke” and “disappoint”.
Quigley says that the DHS has something similar picking up on words such as “attack” or “destroy”. It seems that in Van Bryan’s case the DHS’s algorithm spotted the words “destroy” and “America” in close proximity and his account was put on the “watch list”.
Upon their arrival in LAX the pair were separated and interrogated. Van Bryan was then transported to a prison in a cage (where he had a panic attack). He was imprisoned overnight before he and his companion were made to pay for their own plane tickets back to the UK.
Free speech advocates worry that some human should have realized the mistake made by the DHS before these holiday makers were deported. They ask the question are the computers taking over?
What do you think?
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that the DHS was officially monitoring dozens of popular websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Hulu, WikiLeaks, Huffington Post, and the Drudge Report, among others.
Since 2010, the DHS has been operating a “Social Networking / Media Capability” which involves monitoring of “publicly available online forums, blogs, public websites and message boards."
In the official government report they state that the purpose of this is to “collect information used in providing situational awareness and establishing a common operating picture.”
That fact that the DHS are using an algorithm to pick up on terms such as “destroy” and “America” makes sense, but it is the fact that Van Bryan and his companion ended up being interrogated, incarcerated, and deported without anyone using common sense and intervening which his worrying.
The DHS probably sees the story of Van Bryan and Bunting as a success, however, what does this mean for the future of social networking and travel. Do we have to carefully choose each word we use on Twitter and Facebook? Are jokes and slang to be banned? Where will that end?
Here's Mashable's video on Bryan Van Leigh's experience:
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Maureen Hawkins | Mar 19, 2013, 10:57 PM EDT
Madeliene, less crime than WHERE? The Sudan, maybe? Mexico's gang-ridden provinces? One reason I moved from the States to Canada is because any nut who wants to can't run around with a gun--& the crime rate here is much lower.
aoibhinn | Feb 22, 2012, 11:10 AM EST
It's getting there Madeliene - there are chips in the passports! It has begun. BTW, don't try to destroy the chip in the microwave, it will catch fire.
sirpeter | Feb 07, 2012, 08:45 AM EST
Madeliene.It really looks as if you did press comment all day.;))But in all fairness the comment does deserve six pages.By the way you are my new best friend on IC.;))
Madeliene | Feb 06, 2012, 07:14 PM EST
it does not matter one seems to be able to press comment all day & get nulled
Madeliene | Feb 06, 2012, 07:13 PM EST
I agree with sirpeter- in the States in USA where the people HAVE the right to bear arms there is much less crime ( no one knows if the will be shot if they break into your home/ car with your kids in it/ try to molest you on a jogging trail etc .yes when we are born we will have a chip in our neck along with our DNA no not ready for THAT America!
sirpeter | Feb 04, 2012, 09:27 PM EST
rpmschevy.If Ireland is doing the same thing than it's wrong too.I believe it was a misinterpretation caused by the use of slang.This couple was punished severely for a misunderstanding in a tweet.They were harmless.
newnation | Feb 04, 2012, 11:10 AM EST
your comment would most likely have been valid george if you stopped using such vulgar incriminating language. i won't miss you!
joycean | Feb 04, 2012, 08:56 AM EST
I think the Department of Homeland Security is right to be monitoring social networks. A number of terrorists have used the web to discuss plans like Alawaki and "alleged" Ft. Hood terrorist,Hassan.
joycean | Feb 04, 2012, 08:19 AM EST
I understand the legal justifications for TSA actions ares: First Amerndment (Free Speech) has always had qualifiers, the No "right" to shout "Fire" in a crowded theater rule. You have no "Right" to say you are coming here to "destroy" the country. Fourth Amerndment (freedom from unwarrented search and seizure) a 1973 court ruling that search and seizure are not "unwarrented" if they avoid an airplane explosion. Basically, unless federal laws specifically banning certain procedures are passed the TSA's actions are legal, in other words, until a majority of Americans object and Congress passes laws banning specific procedure. In actuality, there is o outcry among Americans to change these laws. Probably, most of us are more concerned about what is happening in Iran.
Murph46 | Feb 03, 2012, 11:41 PM EST
Not undermining anyone as one of our political architects he was responsible and a signee to documents of our nation ,and the right to bear arms .
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 10:29 PM EST
Murph46.Don't try and undermine Franklin he made a statement which makes very good sense.It has nothing got to do with the right to bear arms.As a matter of fact as far as I know the right to bear arms is so that the civilian population can over throw the government.
MacGiobuinR | Feb 03, 2012, 08:38 PM EST
Jakkers ! Has Common Sense left America ? America should keep its "guard" up but it should also keep its eyes and ears open. Mistakes are made you just need to resolve them as quickly and fairly as possible. Slainte (to anyone in the US gov't it means "health")
jamthecat | Feb 03, 2012, 08:38 PM EST
This is nothing but theater of the absurd, and those who support this nonsense do so only until it directly affects them; then it's a case of the screamies about how their rights have been violated. It's so stupid, selfish, and cowardly, I'm almost ashamed to call myself an American.
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 06:32 PM EST
Murph46.Question is where?!Indeed.I'm just trying to put things in perspective.I'm just saying that on day to day living in the USA been killed by a terrorist is a very long shot in comparison to other dangers that might kill ya.I'm not so sure I would give up any rights for protection against those odds.You know NI was known as a very dangerous place,a war zone,loads of terrorists.Yet only 3500 were killed over 30 years due to the conflict.It got huge media attention which made people very afraid.Well if you want to give up some of your rights to protect your kids against a long shot.You had better give them all up when you travel with them in your car because 32,788 people died on the roads across America in 2010.That's ten 9/11's a year.The government are not protecting you.But we do know they want to control us.That's why in a justified march.The cops will always want to break your head.
CelticQueenUSA | Feb 03, 2012, 06:02 PM EST
Say what you mean and mean what you say. SPEAK ENGLISH NOT SLANG DUMMY!
Murph46 | Feb 03, 2012, 05:59 PM EST
By the way sirpeter Franklin who you quoted below was most certainly a 2nd Amendment supporter-right to bear arms.6000 dead each year! see the dilemma?
Murph46 | Feb 03, 2012, 05:43 PM EST
6000 people killed by firearms-what is the solution-scrap the Constitution?I think not.Franklin 's quote was appropriate for his time,not so sure now under some circumstances I have outlined and seen.Hell I ain't happy with an attorney general selling guns that end up killing Americans!Our times are so complex that I sometimes wonder if we make it to next week.Israelis may nuke Iran to protect themselves from a facist govt.that pledges extinction of Israel -Who is right here?I for one as a citizen will willfully surrender some rights for the protection of my family,but I am willing to draw the line.Question is where!
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 05:21 PM EST
Murph46.No need for thanks,but you are welcome.I understand fully where you are coming from.We all want to catch the baddies.You know 6000 people are killed each year by fire arms in the US.Where is the security there? The trouble with the Patriot Act is it leaves innocent people open to abuse and maybe worse.America have produced some very intelligent people and if it's one thing I do is listen when an intelligent person speaks.Benjamin Franklin~~Quote"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both"Unquote.Benjamin Franklin was a clever guy and I maintain that his quote applies the same now and it did then.I'm just not sure if it's the right road Americans should be taking.Murph I only put people down who deserve it.It's not that bad here anyway.
Murph46 | Feb 03, 2012, 04:00 PM EST
sirpeter-Thanks for the response,as far as spying upon people,I too was a little upset until that spying tripped up bombers in several states,the car bomb in times square and several more.At this point you would retort that I have bought the kool aid.I in turn would say other than the English coming to Ireland,you have never suffered an assault the likes of 911.I have served in the military and know that there are people out there to kill us-remember the beheading of Daniel Pearl? In an environment such as this,it may call for more stringent security.Am I happy about it? Hell No,but there are times when boarding a plane I am thankful that such steps were necessary.Would that we could go back to much friendlier times!That is why the animus on these pages bother me so.I want to remember the charming ,hospitable Ireland that I introduced my family to not the bitter backbiting that I see here.I am NOT a pacifast,nor am I a believer in utopia.But I damn sure believe that friends shouldn't be cutting friends.I have no problem with nationalism ,all should be proud of their country,but that isn't a license to put down others.I hope I have explained my thoughts in a clear manner!
ciaradexy | Feb 03, 2012, 03:56 PM EST
George, stop getting so paranoid. This site is so bloody slow anyway. You could post a response but if you dont press the 'comment' button for long enough the comment wont actually post!
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 03:43 PM EST
Murph46.Well it seems to me the USA is going to far.I have great respect for the American people.But I understand the ordinary people don't always have control over government policy.That means every government.I don't like the idea of innocent people been spied upon.I'm an Irish nationalist and if I want to say I want to destroy England or Ireland or anywhere on the internet I should be able to say it without been punished like that innocent couple.That kind of treatment can cause a fragile person to have a heart attack or cause a schizophrenic to self harm after been released.When an old drunk says on the street I'm going to kill ya.You might watch him but you don't beat the crap out of him or take him serious.I'm just disappointed this is happening in America because you can be sure it could happen in Ireland too.No hatred!!No animosity.I don't trust any government.Governments order people to do bad sh*t.But I like the people of every country.There is a difference.Anyway better to pontificate than to be Georgie Boy who just defecates.Btw It's not that bad here.lol Most people see the sense in what I posted.OK!! I take back the silicon chip in the brain comment.That's not a fact~~~~~~~Yet.
GeorgeDillon | Feb 03, 2012, 03:15 PM EST
There is a nasty personal attack on me below, from a poster styling himself/herself new nation. That's of no consequence to me or to anyone else. But why did Irish Central censor and remove my riposte to this goon, while permitting his ugly and insulting tirade to remain? As those who read my posts will know, there was of course nothing obscene or indecent in my reply to this clown, yet Irish Central censors me, while allowing an abusive fool to post unchallenged. What's going on, O'Dowd, have the lunatics taken over the asylum? If I do not receive an explanation I will have no alternative but to quit posting here. The Oirish Immigration fanatics would love that, of course, but I am not prepared to waste my time writing posts here if they can be removed at some faceless intern's whim.
porkheaven | Feb 03, 2012, 01:54 PM EST
It doesn't surprise me at all, This government would like to see all our freedoms removed.
Murph46 | Feb 03, 2012, 01:46 PM EST
sirpeter I'm so glad you know what the US wants,lets shut all the other posters out and listen to you pontificate.What the heck is with all the hatred and animosity on this site? I joined cause it was about my beloved Ireland and now every other post is full of spite and hate-What's wrong with you people?
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 01:34 PM EST
joycean.We get the same kind of warnings about entering China and North Korea.It's all about "security" there too.George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four was meant to be fiction.Not reality.We know it's legal.But what those agents did stinks.It was the internet not a US airport.Thanks for the warning though.That Silicon Chip they will put in your brain will be very handy too.The US don't want any thought crime.
bostonblakie | Feb 03, 2012, 01:26 PM EST
Thank the loathsome idiots that attacked us in the first place. We were all innocents up until then.
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 12:57 PM EST
;))
IsMise | Feb 03, 2012, 12:40 PM EST
You've got to be kdding me
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 12:36 PM EST
Georgie B
joycean | Feb 03, 2012, 12:33 PM EST
Those of you who are not Americans should see this as a warning of what may happen if you board a plane for this country. It may not be worth it to you. Don't assume this is "illegal" even if does sound like something you would not want to go through. There are signs in every airport with flights to America that say "No jokes," and "No threats" in every airport with flights to America. If you want information about TSA rules, they are online.
SeamusMor | Feb 03, 2012, 12:09 PM EST
ECHELON, a vast U.S. computer surveillance system for monitoring ALL electronic communications worldwide, has been in place for some time. Two ladies, on the phone, discussing a poorly performed school play, attended by the President of the company one of them worked for, were investigated because the words "President" and "Bombed" were used during their conversation. This grew out of a 1970s era program where phone calls between the U.S. and Ireland were monitored for use of words about weapons like ".223", "C4", etc. Big Brother is watching and listening!
LinLinisme | Feb 03, 2012, 11:59 AM EST
Maybe now someone will believe me when I say this is happening. Along with the now "supposed defunct" random generater. Listen up--Privacy is a myth
newnation | Feb 03, 2012, 11:33 AM EST
wow George you really are dumb, i look forward to the day that american paranoia finally catches up with the people like you that think it's a good idea too invade peoples privacy in such ways. it should be made illegal for governments and companies to invade peoples privacy like this just as its illegal for people to open others people's mail. no need to insinuate that i'm stalking you.. i am, but only because someone needs to follow you around and remind you that your an out of touch moron.
joycean | Feb 03, 2012, 11:31 AM EST
I imagine he was allowed to fly because TSA did not have time to process the passenger list before the plane took off. I don't know if he has a legal case. Generally, TSA's decisions are held up by courts.In my city, a pilot was taken out of the airport in handcuffs for literally touching the hand of the agent who was going through his stuff.I don't like going through airport security: I keep losing Swiss Army knives. And I'm a little anxious about my next plane trip in March. Like most Americns, I avoid plane travel whenever I can. But, in theory at least, I am glad we are well protected.
Gearoid | Feb 03, 2012, 11:26 AM EST
I also agree with Sirpiter. This whole debacle is disgrace. An innocent guy treated like that is not acceptable in a civilised society. What did he actually do wrong? Nothing! Np apology, no compensation. It looks like America is starting to look like the countries they are fighting against. The Taliban, Al Quaida have very little reard for the sanctity of human life, freedom or society. I dont see any difference in homeland's security's attitude! Disgraceful.
RichardP | Feb 03, 2012, 10:57 AM EST
You'd also wonder why they were allowed to travel to the US in the first place?
RichardP | Feb 03, 2012, 10:55 AM EST
The problem with Big Brother's overbearing approach and incursion into privacy is that not one of them exercised an ounce of cop-on when dealing with this guy. Instead of deporting the obviously harmless they should have realized there was an innocent explanation and applied some discretion. Always good to send a non-terrorist packing in the American way which seems to have become 'Better that nine innocents get convicted than let one guilty go free' Paranoia is necessary in the US because of her enemies; too bad common sense has left the building because of it.
pndirishandprou | Feb 03, 2012, 10:49 AM EST
Common sense is typically in short supply in government bureaucracies, but not only in the US.
JohnnyMac | Feb 03, 2012, 10:21 AM EST
Hey, of course we know the guy's remark was misrepresented. To go out on a tear, or paint the town red or to destroy the night is all the same...to party like crazy. With this in mind, I'm glad the system caught what he posted. Take the fact that he's an Irishman out of the equation (Timothy McVeigh was of Irish decent as well - he blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City). Again, we know what he really meant, but unfortunately he'll have to explain the comment in detail if he wants to be permitted visitation rights. I'm okay with the fact that someone is looking out for stuff like this. Fair play to "big brother".
GeorgeDillon | Feb 03, 2012, 10:03 AM EST
If the ignorant poster curpeter doesn't like the US, why is he so obsessed with us? Go obsess about Angola or Albania, you racist fool curpeter. America needs you like a fish needs shampoo.
SingleDonald | Feb 03, 2012, 09:31 AM EST
I agree with sirpeter! I normally support Homeland Security, but they went too far, in this instance.
sirpeter | Feb 03, 2012, 09:22 AM EST
These people should be compensated for what has happened.The English language is always open to different meanings due to slang.Homeland Security got it wrong because they took his tweet at face value.These people were violated and punished for words.Just words.Not actions,just words.Americans need to start thinking about the direction their homeland security is going before it's to late.