Homeland Security Spying on Reddit Users
3 months ago
- #Homeland Security
- #Surveillance
- Homeland Security is monitoring Reddit users critical of the agency, as revealed in a leaked intelligence bulletin.
- The bulletin focuses on a Reddit user named 'Budget-Chicken-2425,' who organized a peaceful protest near a Border Patrol facility in Texas.
- Despite acknowledging the protests as 'generally lawful,' the agency justifies continued monitoring under 'Force Protection' and 'reputational risks.'
- The surveillance extends beyond individual users to gauge broader social trends and public sentiment towards immigration authorities.
- The bulletin highlights the agency's interest in 'Social Media-Driven Mobilization,' 'Symbolic Targeting of Government Facilities,' and 'A Statewide Baseline of Mobilization Potential.'
- Agents were advised to wear ballistic armor and carry long arms in response to the protest, despite no evidence of planned violence.
- The agency's approach treats ordinary social media activity as a potential threat, reflecting a broader culture of paranoia within national security.