Well, there is some evidence that Bayesian searching of a massive database of book purchases can make it possible to distinguish likely terrorists-- at least, given a valid list of books and reading patterns typical of terrorists. The process actually works pretty well in models. BUT, that doesn't change the fact that it's a chilling prospect. The gubmint doesn't need to know what information I pursue, or why. Want to know the entertaining part? In yet another demonstration that lawmakers do not consider themselves hobbled by reality, most libraries have never kept patron records-- I mean, why would they?? The great bulk of public libraries throw away patron borrowing records as soon as late fees are paid up on the items out. Hence, when it comes to libraries at least, the USA PATRIOT act is nothing but a big scary miss in that regard. Nice try, Johnny-A. Maybe the bongsellers are harboring terrorists too.
Re: Love it
anonymous
February 27 2003, 07:04:06 UTC
Amazon doesn't use Bayesian filtering. I'll try to track down a good explanation of what it is, but put briefly, it uses a fairly complex statistical model to determine what something is "not" rather than what something "is."
Comments 5
Reply
there is some evidence that Bayesian searching of a massive database of book purchases can make it possible to distinguish likely terrorists-- at least, given a valid list of books and reading patterns typical of terrorists. The process actually works pretty well in models. BUT, that doesn't change the fact that it's a chilling prospect. The gubmint doesn't need to know what information I pursue, or why.
Want to know the entertaining part? In yet another demonstration that lawmakers do not consider themselves hobbled by reality, most libraries have never kept patron records-- I mean, why would they?? The great bulk of public libraries throw away patron borrowing records as soon as late fees are paid up on the items out. Hence, when it comes to libraries at least, the USA PATRIOT act is nothing but a big scary miss in that regard.
Nice try, Johnny-A. Maybe the bongsellers are harboring terrorists too.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment