US Secret Service Wants Sarcasm-Detection Tool for Twitter

Understanding the tone and trends of social media is essential in the modern world. The US Secret Service monitors the short, fast messages in search of security targets and has put out a request for proposals on a software system that can analyze social-media data with the ability to "detect sarcasm and false positives," reports Sophie Curtis for the Telegraph. “As well as detecting sarcasm, the tool needs to be able to identify 'influencers' (people who start trends on social media), gauge sentiment around particular topics, and interpret content in multiple languages.” Internet privacy advocates warn that such monitoring can stifle free speech and creativity. “The mission of the United States Secret Service is to safeguard the nation's financial infrastructure and payment systems to preserve the integrity of the economy, and to protect national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites and National Special Security Events,” notes the agency’s website. Reliance on social media is growing exponentially, and the US government may be prioritizing security over freedom of speech. –YaleGlobal