According to some lawmakers in a hearing last Thursday, the plan from U.S. Department of Homeland Security to monitor social media services will be a threat to the civilian liberties and the online free speech. A report from Electronic Privacy Information Center or EPIC claims that DHS paid for more than $11 million for a system to monitor Facebook and Twitter public posts and the comment threads on major news websites.

EPIC said that the system will watch public social media posts for comments which reflect on the government and for responding the government plans. Originally, EPIC tried to access information through a Freedom of Information request. Unfortunately, it was denied.  Then, they filed a successful lawsuit and it was granted by DHS.

Pennsylvania Republican Represantative, Patrick Meehan, said that he doubts the plan. “My guess is that the average American has no problem with other private individuals reading their commentary in online writings and postings in open forums,” he said.  Would you feel comfortable when your private area such as your social media account is being monitored by the government? Tell it in the comment box below.