The U.S. Postal Service’s law enforcement arm has purportedly been keeping close tabs on US social media posts by secretly launching a program called “iCOP” (Internet Covert Operations Program).
A privately circulated government bulletin from March detailing how analysts are tasked to mine an array of social media platforms such as Facebook, Parler, Telegram among others and flag potentially “inflammatory” postings.
Afterward, they are to “disseminate” the relevant research through government agencies.
“iCOP analysts are currently monitoring these social media channels for any potential threats stemming from the scheduled protests and will disseminate intelligence updates as needed,” the bulletin reads.
The Big Brother-esque effort appears to be deployed ahead of politically charged gatherings to mitigate the potential for civil unrest.
“Analysts with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP) monitored significant activity regarding planned protests occurring internationally and domestically on March 20, 2021, that they say was categorized as “law enforcement sensitive” and circulated through the Department of Homeland Security.
Well, isn’t that special?