New online PDFs of possible interest from the RAND Corporation: Sociocultural Implications of Biometrics The Army is considering how it can use biometric systems -- automated methods of authenticating an individual based on physical or behavioral characteristics -- to improve security, efficiency, and convenience. Recognizing that biometrics is not without controversy, however, the Army asked RAND's Arroyo Center to assist in an assessment of the legal, sociological and ethical implications. A new publication reports the findings. http://www.rand.org/publications/MR/MR1237/ Privacy and Emerging Technologies A recent RAND conference, sponsored by the Arroyo Center, looked at the question of how emerging technologies such as biotechnology, computer monitoring, and overhead imaging impact privacy and privacy policy. The conference drew leading scholars, government officials, privacy advocates, journalists, attorneys, technologists, and industry representatives. http://www.rand.org/natsec_area/products/privconfnav.html Modernizing the National Imagery and Mapping Agency Over the past year, RAND has provided staff and analytic support to the Independent Commission on the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. (See related article.) Recently, Kevin O'Connell, Manager of RAND's Intelligence Community program, testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on the findings and recommendations of the commission. http://www.rand.org/hot/nima.html