PatriotApp lets iPhone users report suspected terrorism, crime
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A new iPhone app has some observers drawing ‘1984’ comparisons, but the creators say it empowers citizens to prevent terrorism, crime and environmental violations.
Developed by Florida-based Citizen Concepts, the PatriotApp allows phone users to tap in reports and transmit photos to federal agencies -- and employers -- under headings like ‘national security threat,’ ‘pandemic’ and ‘government waste.’
The app is integrated into points of contact for the FBI, Environmental Protection Agency, Government Accountability Office and Centers for Disease Control and can also be custom-integrated with users’ employers to report workplace wrongdoing.
It also allows users to view the FBI Most Wanted list and to post alerts to social networking sites.
Commenters on Apple’s page for the app and on Twitter made Orwell references, but the developers defend their intent.
According to a statement on the developer’s website: ‘This app was founded on the belief that citizens can provide the most sophisticated and broad network of eyes and ears necessary to prevent terrorism, crime, environmental negligence, or other malicious behavior.’
-- Abby Sewell
