As regular readers will be aware, I’ve long admired the courageous approach to public diplomacy taken by the US Department of Homeland Security, particularly in the fantastically Byzantine process that is immigration at New York’s John F Kennedy airport.
Now, DHS are raising their game to a whole new level. As frequent travellers will know, in order to qualify for the US visa waiver program, visitors from overseas now have to apply for special authorisation to do so. But what really completes the web experience is a thoughtful, unique touch: when you arrive at the web page to fill out your application, you’re greeted with a special pop-up message – I’m not kidding – that reads as follows:
This Department of Homeland Security (DHS) computer system and any related equipment is subject to monitoring for administrative oversight, law enforcement, criminal investigative purposes, inquiries into alleged wrongdoing or misuse, and to ensure proper performance of applicable security features and procedures. As part of this monitoring, DHS may acquire, access, retain, intercept, capture, retrieve, record, read, inspect, analyze, audit, copy and disclose any information processed, transmitted, received, communicated, and stored within the computer system. If monitoring reveals possible misuse or criminal activity, notice of such may be provided to appropriate supervisory personnel and law enforcement officials. DHS may conduct these activities in any manner without further notice. By clicking OK below or by using this system, you consent to the terms set forth in this notice.
Wow. That wins the prize by a country mile for the least welcoming, most f**k-you way to arrive at a website that I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m lost for words.
