US to ramp up tracking of domestic extremism on social media

The Department of Homeland Security plans to ramp up its social media tracking as part of an enhanced focus on domestic violent extremism. The move is a response ding to weaknesses exposed by the deadly Capitol insurrection but also raising longstanding concerns about protecting Americans’ civil liberties. — AP

WASHINGTON: The US Department of Homeland Security plans to ramp up social media tracking as part of an enhanced focus on domestic violent extremism. While the move is a response to weaknesses exposed by the deadly US Capitol insurrection, it's raising concerns about undermining Americans’ civil liberties.

President Joe Biden’s top appointees have called white supremacists the greatest security threat to the country and are pushing for bolstered intelligence gathering. Closely watching are advocates for communities of colour and groups that have previously been the focus of intensified surveillance, sometimes unlawfully.