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Spy Satellite Charter May Calm Privacy Fears

Chertoff expects plan to be finished this week

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2007 6:57 PM CST
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(Newser) – A federal satellite-surveillance program will move one step closer to reality this week with the expected release of its new charter, the Wall Street Journal reports. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who is spearheading the project, will also reveal plans for a $15 billion program to protect the country’s Internet infrastructure. Both programs have been under fire for their potential compromise of privacy.

The Journal reported in August on plans for the satellite program, which would allow the government freer rein to gather domestic imagery. Chertoff delayed it when lawmakers expressed privacy concerns. The charter aims to prove the program’s legality in order to build congressional support. Chertoff hopes its wording is clear: "If it is jargon-laden, then people look at it and say, 'What's the hidden agenda here?'"

House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said his committee had not been updated on the satellite program in months. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said his committee had not been updated on the satellite program in months. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)   (Associated Press)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is shown as he makes remarks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Portland, Ore.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is shown as he makes remarks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Portland, Ore.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)   (Associated Press)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff gestures during his interview with the Associated Press at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters, in this Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006 file photo in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, file)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff gestures during his interview with the Associated Press at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters, in this Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006 file photo in...   (Associated Press)
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Background on the backlash, including letter from legislators
Wall Street Journal

WSJ's initial report on the expanded satellite spying
Wall Street Journal

 
Congress • domestic surveillance • Michael Chertoff • Internet security • satellite images

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