Fergie's Tech Blog

Security Authorities Hound Train Hobbyists and Techies

Richard Esposito and Anna Schecter report on ABC News' "The Blotter":

Train enthusiasts are outraged at a new report jointly issued by the FBI and DHS, which states that "trainspotter" Web sites, where commuter rail system details beyond maps and schedules are posted, may prove valuable to terrorists conducting pre-operational activities.

"Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of enthusiasts take photos and monitor trains for their enjoyment, but Homeland Security and some officials put up miserable restrictions and claim it's for homeland security," said Richard Eichhorst, President of the American Association of Railroaders, Inc., in St. Louis, Mo.

The report recommends authorities should monitor the "trainspotter" sites but also states that information on these sites can help to further develop system security.

posted by Fergie @ 2/06/2007 12:04:00 PM