Cybersecurity Partner: U.S. Government Must Continue to Cautiously Approach Social Media Monitoring

In his discussion with Hannity and other guest cybersecurity experts, Finch noted that, while the U.S. uses social media to gather information and conduct operations targeting potential “bad actors” overseas, the domestic environment is such that intelligence agencies have to tread lightly and use social media information carefully “and in context with other investigative tools” here at home.

“There’s so much data out there that we have to be careful and targeted and smart about it, and this is where the NSA and other agencies ran into problems when … Edward Snowden disclosed the presence of these monitoring systems to look into social media and conversations.”

Finch added that the effect of the NSA’s monitoring controversy is still being felt as authorities try to uncover and prevent violent acts on U.S. soil.

“It was all being done perfectly within the law, but the context of it and the public relations element of it really drew this incredible … civil liberties backlash, and we’ve had to dial back those investigations. That’s a big hurt that is still impacting our law enforcement and intelligence agencies.”