Newsweek reports that Raytheon has developed some cool surveillance technology that can keep track of large crowds, like at a Cal Game (Go Bears).
Just so we’re clear, this is a Newsweek report, an Obama adoring left-wing weekly. So let’s not assume it will be a right wing gun nut who brings one of these babies down in Berkeley some autumn afternoon. I can’t wait to see the amicus brief from the ACLU when it argues for privacy from big balloons.
“After the success of the Indy 500 trial, the company is targeting police departments and sporting facilities that want to keep an eye on crowds that might easily morph into an unruly mob. “Large municipalities could find many uses for this [technology] once we figure out how to get it in their hands,” says Nathan Kennedy, the blimp’s project manager.”
Raytheon’s blimps were present at the Indy 500, and who knows where or when some Administration will introduce surveillance packages more broadly. Hell, I know I’ll feel safer when waiting in line for a Porta-John during the Big Game.