iSpy: New iPhone app streamlines vigilant patriotism

Bringing suspicous behavior to the attention of government authorities is just a touchscreen away with the new PatriotApp, The iPhone application, developed by Indialantic, Fla.-based software company Citizen Concepts, lets iPhone users have touchscreen contact with agencies like the Federtal Bureau of Investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency.

It's the "world's first iPhone application that empowers citizens to assist government agencies in creating safer, cleaner, and more efficient communities via social networking and mobile technology," the company's product description says.

Since its September launch, the application reportedly has been downloaded around 400 times per day. Theoretically, it's likely the Department of Homeland Security's "If you see something, say something" campaign, announced last week, will add to demand for the application.

The campaign is especially notable as it's a cooperative effort with retail giant Walmart, which is running the Homeland Security message in some of its stores. And while Kansas City Walmarts won't be included in the store campaign, area iPhone users can still take on a crime-fighting role with the download.

"PatriotApp encourages active citizen participation in the war on Terror and in protecting their families and surrounding communities," the description says.

Users download, report (including pictures) and submit information to relevant government agencies, employers, or publish incident data to social network tools.

Key Features:

• Integrated into Federal Agencies points of contacts
  • FBI
  • EPA
  • GAO
  • CDC
• Custom integration with user employers
• Fully integrated with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter)
• Multiple menus and data fields
• View FBI Most Wanted
• Simple graphical user interface

Uses:

• Enable citizens to record and communicate:
• National Security, Suspicious activities, Crime
• Government Waste
• Environmental Crime or possible violations
• White collar crime
• Workplace harassment, discrimination, or other violations
• Public Health concerns

“Some bloggers don’t think this is a good idea, they’re likening it to Nazi Germany,” Dr. Roy Swiger, an app co-creator told SecurityNewsDaily. “But a lot of folks are very positive.”