Privacy Fears Threaten Satellite Program

Homeland Security's domestic satellite surveillance system is running into fresh opposition from Congress, which is threatening to shut down the program if the department doesn't more thoroughly address concerns over protecting privacy. The satellite program, known as the National Applications Office, is designed to provide federal, state and local officials with extensive access to spy satellite imagery to assist with emergency response and other domestic security needs. Lawmakers said the Department of Homeland Security hasn't created legal safeguards to ensure that the office won't be used for domestic spying. They also are asking for assurance that it is legal to use military assets such as spy satellites for domestic security.
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