What You Need to Know About Government Surveillance and Security Tech…
What You Need to Know About Government Surveillance and Security Tech in The Bahamas
Hey Bahamians,
There’s been a lot of talk about government “spy programs” lately, and we think it’s time you got the facts straight. Here’s what we know about what your government has actually been doing when it comes to surveillance and security technology way back 2016.
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1. Cameras Everywhere — Yes, Really
The government has spent money to upgrade cameras in Nassau and other areas. They use a system called Milestone XProtect, which connects hundreds of cameras across the city.
These cameras can see faces, license plates, and even detect gunshots.
They work with software called BriefCam, which helps police track people or objects quickly.
The goal? To help fight crime and make the streets safer.
So yes, your movements in public spaces can be recorded.
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2. Facial Recognition Pilot Program
The government is testing something called FUSUS, which can scan video from existing CCTV cameras in real time.
Police can match faces to watchlists.
They can also track cars by their license plates.
Some people are worried about privacy—but the government says it’s all to fight crime faster.
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3. COVID Tracking — Tags, Not Phones
During the pandemic, there were rumors about a tracking app. That plan was scrapped. Instead, the government used physical wrist tags to monitor people in quarantine.
These tags could tell officials if someone left their assigned area.
It wasn’t connected to WhatsApp or personal phones.
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4. Cybersecurity Moves
The Bahamas also created a National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) and a Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT-BS).
They work to protect government computers and monitor online threats.
They collaborate with organizations like CISA (U.S.) and the OAS.
It’s mostly about keeping government data safe, not reading your messages.
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5. Spyware Rumors
Some people worry about programs like Pegasus, spyware used in other countries to read WhatsApp messages.
The Bahamas has NOT purchased Pegasus or any similar software.
Any live surveillance of WhatsApp or private messages by the government is not happening.
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6. What About the NSA?
Years ago, leaks revealed that the U.S. NSA intercepted Bahamian cellphone calls without the government’s permission.
This was not done by the Bahamian government.
That means some foreigners have tried to listen in, but it wasn’t Bahamian officials.
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✅ Bottom Line
The government records video in public areas and can track faces and license plates.
WhatsApp and Signal messages and phones are being read by foreign and local authorities.
Cybersecurity programs exist to protect government networks, not citizens’ private chats.
Foreign governments like the NSA and others have been known to spy, but that’s outside local control.
Stay aware, stay informed, and keep your private messages private.
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