In an age where mobile apps and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly woven into our daily lives, it's crucial to stay informed about the surveillance methods being employed behind the scenes. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN), a platform used to monitor college football games and other major events.
The use of HSIN was recently discovered at a Charleston-based private military academy, The Citadel, during their trip to Ole Miss. This revelation raises questions about the scope of surveillance in public spaces. According to documents obtained by FOIAball, HSIN is a centralized hub for various law enforcement agencies involved with security at big events.
The platform has become an integral part of the vast surveillance arm of the U.S. government. Since 9/11, HSIN has been supercharged by technological innovation, allowing it to subject any crowd to almost constant monitoring. This includes live footage from CCTV cameras, drones flying overhead, police body cams, and cell phones.
HSIN's capabilities extend beyond event security. It has worked with private businesses to ensure access to cameras across cities, collecting, storing, and mining vast amounts of personal data. Furthermore, HSIN has been used to facilitate facial recognition searches from companies like Clearview AI.
In recent years, HSIN has become a widely used tool. A 2023 DHS "Year in Review" found that HSIN averaged over 150,000 logins per month. Its Connect platform, which coordinates security and responses at major events, was utilized over 500 times a day.
The use of AI-powered surveillance in mobile apps raises concerns about privacy and data collection. In an updated memo from 2012 discussing whose personal information HSIN can collect and disseminate, the list includes individuals who may pose a threat to the United States.
HSIN has been used at various events, including the Boston Marathon, Lollapalooza, the World Series, and presidential primary debates. It has also been utilized at every Super Bowl for the last dozen years.
The scope of HSIN's surveillance capabilities is vast, with records obtained by FOIAball showing its presence on college campuses. In November 2023, students at Ohio State University held protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Under the heading "Supporting Operation Excellence," DHS reported that the school used HSIN to surveil protesters, integrating the school's closed-circuit cameras to live stream footage to HSIN Connect.
The use of AI-powered surveillance in mobile apps is a growing concern in today's digital landscape. As we continue to rely on these platforms for event security and monitoring, it's essential to stay informed about their capabilities and limitations.