The Department of Homeland Security has revealed their research into possibly embedding sensors in mobile phones – allowing the lowly cell phone to become part of a network of anti-terrorism sensors. The research is exploring the use of a network of cell phones, equipped with detectors for nuclear isotopes, toxic chemicals, and biological agents, to roam the streets as a kind of grass-roots anti-terrorism squad. Upon detecting a dangerous substance, the built-in GPS unit will poll location data and transmit the location of the cell phone. A single hit will be dismissed as a false-positive, but multiple hits would indicate a legitimate threat
Since 9/11, the government has spent billions of dollars on placing sensors and detectors in airports, subways, borders, and other terrorist target. The problem with this solution is that sensors in fixed locations can only provide late-stage warnings of impending attacks, rather than averting them. A mobile network of sensors can continuously sample the streets and provide early warning of any terrorist activity.
It’s not yet clear if this technology can even be implemented, but it sure sounds cool (if you can get over that whole “Big Brother” aspect).
via: textually