A-Space: "Facebook for spies" — and it's classified

Not a member of the CIA, the FBI, or the NSA? Then don't expect any friend requests from A-Space, a new social-networking service—or, as I call it, SpookCentral.

The new network, complete with friends lists and slated to launch later this month, was built specifically for analysts working for the nation's 16 intelligence agencies, according to CNN—perfect for that cubicle-dwelling, reluctant man-of-action Jack Ryan, if he's still lurking in the bowels of the CIA.

So, what's the deal behind A-Space? You guessed it: It's a place for analysts to share the latest info about terrorists and other security threats—or "a chance to think out loud, think in public amongst their peers, under the protection of an A-Space umbrella," according to an intelligence expert quoted by CNN.

All joking aside, A-Space sounds like a pretty good idea, given that the main collaboration tool used by U.S. spies in the past has been the lowly e-mail. Remember that pre-9/11 e-mail message that fell through the cracks—the one from an FBI agent warning about wanna-be pilots hoping to learn to fly, but not so interested in the landing part? As CNN notes, that red flag might have gotten a little more attention had A-Space been around.

OK, but what if enemy agents or other bad guys hack A-Space—won't they get access to everyone's "friends" list and discover who's, like, working undercover? And what about double agents?

A-Space reps tell CNN that the system will, of course, be restricted to those with the "proper" security clearance. Also, the network will sound the alarm if it finds suspicious browsing patterns, similar to how credit card companies pinpoint suspect charges on your account. Cool, so long as the next Robert Hanssen doesn't end up as the chief A-Space administrator.

But here's the real question: Will A-Space have its own little applications, like "CIA vs. KGB"? What about SuperCypherWall? SpyHugs?

Related:
CIA, FBI push 'Facebook for spies' [CNN]