Citation

Everett C. Comput. Fraud Secur. 2009; 2009(11): 5-7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S1361-3723(09)70138-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article looks at some current examples of US research around biometrics-based surveillance technology and how it could be used to divine an individual's negative intentions. The feature also explores the pros and cons of employing the technology for such ends. Pros include the possibility of surveillance that is based on unbiased appraisal, while cons include the immaturity and inaccuracy of existing biometrics technology. The piece concludes by acknowledging that law suits are the most likely way to find a middle ground between the Big Brother versus vital safeguard arguments. Steven Spielberg's movie Minority Report was set in the year 2054. It starred Tom Cruise as John Anderton, who headed up a 'pre-crime' special police unit that apprehended people before they could commit an intended offence. Anderton, who is convinced of the flawlessness of the high tech system on which such activity is based, finds himself accused of a future murder and goes on the run in order to prove his innocence. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.