Prof. Thall flipped the question, pointing out that any algorithm hunting for terrorists would turn up some number of false positives -- probably a large one. A

Prof. Thall flipped the question, pointing out that any algorithm hunting for terrorists would turn up some number of false positives -- probably a large one. As to whether that should rule out using algorithms, though, he says, "I would very much like to know what alternative they might suggest. With regard to identifying terrorist attacks originating in the U.S.A. before they are carried out, there is no free lunch, and we simply can't have it both ways." IMO the last quote in this article is the perfect response to the quandaries raised by the rest of the article: Any automated approach or data analysis is sure to raise false positives - but what other options are there? Zero data analysis or automation? Pure human "police" or "detective work" raises false positives as well.