A Peek into the RCMP’s Social Media Surveillance Program
When you think of surveillance agencies that spy on your online activity, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is probably not the first one that comes to mind. However, recent revelations have brought to light the extensive web-monitoring program operated by the RCMP, shedding light on their efforts to keep it concealed from public scrutiny.
The Birth of Project Wide Awake
Named after a clandestine initiative in the X-Men comic series, Project Wide Awake was first reported by The Tyee in 2019. This proactive program aims to prevent crime by deploying widespread monitoring of social media accounts.
The RCMP’s Attempt at Secrecy
The RCMP went to great lengths to keep Project Wide Awake under wraps. The documents obtained through an Access to Information request unveiled their efforts to hide the program from the public eye. Among their tactics were citing national security exceptions, using proxies to conceal spying activities, and acquiring monitoring software designed for the Darknet, including private communications and political protests.
A Shift in Surveillance Tactics
One striking revelation from the documents is the RCMP’s contradiction in its surveillance targets. While previously claiming to focus solely on open-source communications, they now express interest in scouring the encrypted parts of the internet, such as email and private social media accounts. This attitude towards data privacy is encapsulated in a single slide received from the Access to Information request: You have zero privacy anyway. Get over it.
Putting Surveillance in Perspective
The downplaying of surveillance programs is not unique to the RCMP. Governments often downplay such initiatives until they are exposed by whistleblowers, as seen with Edward Snowden’s revelations. While Project Wide Awake may not have garnered global attention like the Snowden leaks, it underscores the ongoing efforts of countries, particularly those in the Five Eyes alliance, to expand their surveillance capabilities without regard for citizens’ privacy.
Summary
In summary, the documents obtained by The Tyee offer a rare glimpse into the RCMP’s social media surveillance program, revealing a concerted effort to conceal the extent of their monitoring activities. This serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing tension between national security and individual privacy rights.
FAQs
Why did the RCMP try to keep the program secret?
The RCMP employed various tactics, such as citing national security exceptions and using proxies, to conceal Project Wide Awake from public scrutiny. They also purchased monitoring software designed for the "Darknet" and private communications.
What does "You have zero privacy anyway. Get over it" signify?
This statement, found in documents obtained through an Access to Information request, reflects the RCMP's dismissive attitude towards data privacy. It suggests a belief that individuals should not expect any privacy in the digital age.
How does Project Wide Awake compare to other surveillance programs?
While Project Wide Awake may not have garnered global attention like the Snowden leaks, it highlights the ongoing efforts of governments, particularly those in the Five Eyes alliance, to expand their surveillance capabilities without respect for citizens' privacy.
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