Chapter 13
The Future of Homeland Security
Homeland Security
Domestic Terrorism
On June 8, 2021, the US Senate released a detailed report detailing the findings of an investigation on the insurrection / siege which took place at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The full report can be downloaded here:Download
Homeland Security Department Challenges
- DHS’ Rigid Security Protocols Contributed to Inadequate Jan. 6 Response, GAO Says (Government Executive, August 9, 2021): “The Homeland Security Department’s confusing and rigid system for providing enhanced security at special events contributed to an inadequate response to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 that led to at least seven deaths, the government’s top watchdog found in a new report.”
Privacy Concerns
- The Taliban Reportedly Have Control of US Biometric Devices (Defense One, August 30, 2021): This story highlights the risk associated with collection of biometric information. Unlike account numbers and passwords, for instance, a person cannot change their biometrics. When biometric data falls into the hands of an oppressive government or a criminal, there is little a person can do to protect themselves from misuse of that data.