Is government database a bigger threat than Facebook?

The Department of Homeland Security’s ‘media monitoring’ database could have a more sinister purpose — especially in the ever evolving era of social media, says Matt Laslo

THE use of algorithms to track people’s online movements has generated lots of discussion in Washington in recent days. But while the headlines have focused on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and just what his platform knows about us, a lesser-known tracking story could prove an even greater threat to the bedrock principles of America’s constitutionally-mandated free press.