Part of the FBI terrorist checklist? You are if you have an interest in privacy and electronics

Back in the 1960’s anyone who wore a flower in their hair or wore bluejeans with patches on them was looked upon as a dangerous radical by the FBI and could end up with having a surveillance file about them somewhere deep within the FBI vaults.

Times haven’t changed all that much it would seem if this flyer from the FBI is any indication. The flyer which is being distributed to coffee shops and internet cafes advising them to be on the look out for “suspicious” people.

So how do you tell if you might be dealing with a “suspicious” person? Well if they are overly concerned about privacy, have an interest in technology and, gawd forbid, prefer to pay in cash.

Still not sure? Well here’s a few more ways you might be able to tell:

• Evidence of a residential based internet provider (signs on to Comcast, AOL, etc.)
• Use of anonymizers, portals, or other means to shield IP address
• Communicating through a PC game
• Obtain maps or diagrams of transportation
• Download or transfer files with “how-to” content such as information about electronics

Well that should cover 99% of the people who might be at the coffee shop or internet cafe so the flyer tries to mitigate the overall tone of madness and stupidity with this little disclaimer in the fine print at the bottom of the flyer.

Each indictor listed above, is by itself, lawful conduct or behavior and may also constitute the exercise of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. In addition, there may be a wholly innocent explanation for conduct or behavior that appears suspicious in nature.

via DVICE

It is so reassuring to know that such capable and technologically capable people are helping to protect the country.

Here’s the full flyer – click for full view or try this link.