Border Patrol driver surveillance raises scary questions

To the editor: What a horror story that leaves so many unanswered questions (“The Border Patrol monitors U.S. motorists and arrests those with ‘suspicious’ travel patterns.” November 20).

Questions about who to evacuate: Was the system tested before it went live? Do scoring algorithms have built-in biases? How is the racial composition of the population surveyed? What is the conviction rate of those surveyed?

Questions about surveillance: Were members of Congress informed of the system? Who monitors the system? Why was the American public not informed?

Questions about data collection and AI: Are databases filled with raw data from license plate readers vulnerable to hacking? Can a given license plate provide access to other databases with more information about the registered owner of that vehicle? How is AI used to find targets?

Questions about the money path: What companies are involved in the design and operation of the system? Who makes money on it?

The list of unanswered questions could go on. One thing is certain: the system is in the hands of both political parties, both of them are partners in creating a surveillance state. However, it is especially worrisome now that we have a dictator at the helm who is engaged in a war against immigrants.

Charles Petithum, Burbank