The US Department of Homeland Security has recently been testing a new device that some might find a bit unsettling. Previously called Project Hostile Intent, and now known as FAST (Future Attribute Screening Technologies), the project is an array of devices that measures people's body language, pulse rate, breathing, and skin temperature. 

The idea of the device is to put it in high-denisty public areas, such as airports, in order to help locate people to watch closely. The theory is that if a person has the intent to do something criminal, they will give off signs (such as a racing pulse from being nervous) that will tip-off the machine, and alert security people.

The program is not just on the drawing board -- it is currently engaged in full-fledged testing on public volunteers at a Maryland Equestrian center recently. The Homeland Security people who built the device claim that the technology "is looking very promising. We are running at about 78% accuracy on mal-intent detection, and 80% on deception." Of course, these were all volunteers -- the proper test will have to be administrated to unknowing flocks of people.

Homeland Security hopes to put the device in a mobile platform, so it can be moved to different events, presumably such as trade conferences and protests. People who seem nervous could be dangerous, according to the ideas behind this program. Homeland Security wants to assure the public however that they can be trused with this thought police technology, and that it will be used responsibility, for the public's benefit (like tear gas for example.) The goal of Homeland Security is to protect the public from dangerous elements within itself, such as people who don't like the American government for some reason, and want to blow stuff up. 

RFID passports, closed circuit monitoring networks, secret No Fly Lists, warrantless wiretapping, extra-judicial prisons, and thought-guessing machines have all been created in order to help people enjoy living safely in a freedom-loving society, according to those who promote these devices.