Intelligence data pulled from websites
<< But government watchdogs warn that national
security could be used as a pretext to keep
information from the public. >> ------->>> They're taking a cue from Wall St?! <ng>
Friday, 5 October, 2001
news.bbc.co.uk
US Army chemical depot: Details no longer on the web
Sensitive documents and reports have been
pulled from websites across the internet
following the 11 September attacks due to
fears the information could be useful to
terrorists.
Several US Government sites have removed
information about hazardous chemicals and
maps out of concern the data could prove
useful to people planning further attacks.
Even private websites have taken down details
about military bases and intelligence offices.
But government watchdogs warn that national
security could be used as a pretext to keep
information from the public.
Chemical risks
Much of the information
that has disappeared
from official US
websites relates to
hazardous chemicals.
The Environmental
Protection Agency has
removed pages on
chemical plants and
their emergency
response plans.
"People have a right to know what kinds of
risks there are, but unfortunately terrorists are
people, too," said Jim Makris, the EPA's
emergency coordinator.
The Department of Health and Human Services
pulled a report on the dangers of chemical
plant terrorism.
And the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has taken down a report about the
lack of preparedness against a terrorist attack
using poison gas or other chemical agents.
Sensitive geography
Other data that has been removed relates to
information that could help enemies of the US
identify targets and plan attacks.
The National Imagery
and Mapping Agency
has suspended all sales
of maps of military
installations as well as
the highest-resolution
maps of other US
locations.
The Geographic
Information Services, which provides detailed
maps of roads and utilities, is limiting access to
its database to officials.
And the Office of Pipeline Safety (Oops) within
the Transportation Department has adopted a
similar tack, limiting access to its national
mapping system for a variety of pipelines to
officials.
"Recent events have focused additional
security concerns on critical infrastructure
systems," said a note on its websites.
"Due to these concerns, the [Office of Pipeline
Safety] no longer provides unlimited access to
the internet mapping application, pipeline data,
and drinking water unusually sensitive area
data."
Intelligence data
Private websites taken similar action, in case
they could unwittingly aid terrorists.
The Federation of
American Scientists,
which maintains a
detailed database of
government and
military information,
has removed hundreds
of pages from its
website.
It has taken down data
on the location and
layout of intelligence
offices, as well as
details on chemical weapons facilities.
"We need to take a moment to assess the new
security environment," said Steve Aftergood of
the FAS.
But some freedom of information advocates
have expressed concerns that national
security could be used to suppress politically
sensitive reports.
"While security may improve, the spirit of civil
society is lost. We cannot let that happen
here," said Gary Bass of OMB Watch, a US
group that campaigns for freedom of
information.
Some security experts have questioned the
effectiveness of removing potentially sensitive
material from official sites at this stage.
They say much of the material which is now
unavailable could have been previously
downloaded and saved on users' hard drives.
Some of the reports are still available in public
libraries or can be found on unofficial websites. >> |
