The Homeland Security chief called privacy concerns "overblown" and offered praise for the proliferation of surveillance cameras in some big U.S. cities. "They are a very, very helpful methodology, particularly in areas where we know there are constant threats," she said. During the discussion with POLITICO's Mike Allen, Napolitano said the requirement that air travelers take their shoes off could soon be history, while the limits on taking liquids on board will be around for a while.
The DHS chief seemed to take her "Big Sis" nickname with good humor. "It's kind of a deal. You know you've made it when you get your own nickname.
"I think that what he means is we are watching too much—kind of an Orwellian view. He's just wrong. I mean, he's just wrong," Napolitano declared during a POLITICO Playbook breakfast at the Newseum. She said the privacy impact of new airport screening technology and similar programs are thoroughly vetted before they are implemented.
"We want to be conscious of civil liberties and civil rights protections—and we are," Napolitano insisted. "We don't do anything without kind of running it through our own civil rights and privacy office. We're one of only two departments in the federal government that actually has a presidentially-appointed privacy office and officer."
No comments:
Post a Comment