Jason Chaffetz, a former congressman known for his conservative stance, has raised alarms about the deep state’s pervasive data harvesting activities. His recent piece on Fox News delves into the ten ways in which the government is collecting personal data, often without individuals’ consent. According to Chaffetz, these practices are not new, with the Obama-Biden administrations allegedly enabling agencies to use data for electoral manipulation and silencing dissenting voices. He argues that while President Trump’s initiatives to streamline data for efficiency offer hope, transparency and legislative reforms are critical to ensure these measures do not become tools for partisan abuse.
Chaffetz lists the ten methods of data collection, including the use of data brokers, social media surveillance, cell-site simulators, facial recognition databases, financial transactions, health records, internet metadata, AI and machine learning tools, mail surveillance, and partnerships with NGOs and corporations. He emphasizes the need for legislative action, such as the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act, to close data broker loopholes and enforce strict data usage practices. The article also highlights the role of the IRS and DOJ in accessing personal financial records, and the use of CDC data during lockdowns, calling for warrant requirements and enhanced oversight.
The piece underscores the importance of privacy laws and reforms, particularly in the context of AI technologies used by the Biden administration, which Chaffetz claims have been used to target conservative voices. He advocates for public audits and mandatory transparency reports to ensure accountability and prevent future misuse of data. Chaffetz concludes by urging citizens to remain vigilant and support legislative measures that protect their rights, asserting that Trump’s policies, combined with these reforms, can serve as a bulwark against the deep state’s encroachment on personal privacy.