Eavesdropping Gets Easier
NASA's experience detecting faint radio waves may soon help the government eavesdrop. NASA scientist William R. McGrath has applied to patent a system for listening through walls. Existing eavesdropping technology (excluding in-room mics) can interpret vibrations on windows, but can be defeated by curtains or other soundproofing. McGrath's system measures the vibrations on objects in the room, making it much harder to mask the sound waves. Eavesdropping has become more a matter of concern for the government of late: The National Security Agency, the government's designated eavesdropper, "has had nine of its patents blocked in 2005, against five in 2004 and none in 2003," on the basis that disclosure of the inventions would harm national security. The secrets of citizens are becoming more evident even as those of government become less so.
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