We need to know

THE EDITOR: We appreciate the opportunity to articulate why the JSC on National Security should investigate the actions of Cambridge Analytica (CA), Aggregate IQ (AIQ) and Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL) in TT.

SCL, AIQ and CA are members of a group of companies with symbiotic relationships that provide analytics services to political campaigns globally.

Indications have come via whistleblower Christopher Wylie that entities in this group have done work here in the recent past. Wylie describes this work as a precursor to the Ripon project for which they are now in the news.

These companies count the dissemination of untruths among their proficiencies. Additionally, Facebook has banned CA and AIQ from its social network because of demonstrated impropriety with users’ data. It is only reasonable that we investigate contemporaneous activity by their principals in our country.

We must reckon with the capacity of bad actors to breach our citizens’ privacy and spread disinformation. We need to contemplate the implications for informed democracy in TT.

It is also important to note some specific elements of Wylie’s account of activities in our country.

Meeting with the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons in London, Wylie identified a liaison in the TT previous government – the minister of national security – and describes the project as including mass surveillance of the general public’s internet usage.

In these matters, Wylie claims firsthand knowledge. He has also identified by name at least one other individual that allegedly worked on the project for SCL/AIQ and indicated that he is in possession of corroboratory evidence.

These are not claims to be dismissed out of hand and they raise questions about the violation of our citizens’ privacy rights and of actions carried out on behalf of the State.

One may ask about Wylie’s credibility as a witness. What we do know is that he has faced hours of questioning by committees of the British House of Commons and the US House of Representatives. Preceding these meetings, and continuing to today, his assertions and documentation have been subject to the scrutiny of the international media.

Particular stated concerns of the JSC are (a) the security, safety and protection of citizens; (b) the working relationships between the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering, and how they collect, co-ordinate, analyse and disseminate information and how these functions might be enhanced; and (c) the mechanisms to review the performance and activities of the various agencies involved in national security and critical infrastructure.

It is our belief that an investigation by the JSC is justified on each of these grounds.

As electors, we need our legislators to continually re-evaluate the suitability of our laws and their enforcement. This requires that questions be asked of what has happened, what is happening, and what can happen. They must seek the input of experts where appropriate. Intentionally looking away is irresponsible. #we need to know.

KERN SARGEANT
, social media officer, PNM, San Fernando East constituency