How can I erase my identity and start over?

Is it possible to kiss your old life goodbye and start anew? In the movies, people do it all the time, but making a clean slate for yourself in real life is a little more complicated.

How Location Tracking Works

Location tracking is one of those double-edged swords of technology. It can help find people in an emergency, but it can also make your whereabouts known to strangers. These systems are showing up in cell phones, cars and other commonplace objects. Learn about location-tracking systems and what they're used for.

How Social Security Numbers Work

What do the numbers on a Social Security card mean? Are they random? And how easy is it for someone to steal your identity using your SSN? Find out all about Social Security numbers.

How the Patriot Act Works

Supporters claim it's been instrumental for security investigations and terrorist arrests, while critics counter that it gives the government too much power and undermines democracy. Let's take a look at what the Patriot Act is, what people say about it, and whether it's really working.

How to Land on the Government Watch List

If you get tagged for extra security screening each time you take a flight, you may be on a government watch list. Find out how you -- innocent you -- made the list.

How Wiretapping Works

It's easy to tap a phone. Keeping a wiretap secret, now that's the tricky part. That’s where the recording equipment and surveillance teams come in. Learn how government spies and other pros go about listening in.

Is the U.S. government building a Gattaca-level DNA database?

The United States is involved in a massive expansion in the DNA-collecting capabilities of the federal government. Find out who this law affects and about the controversy surrounding DNA databases.

Can the government read your private e-mails?

E-mail is now protected from secret government searches thanks to a recent U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Read about this landmark e-mail privacy ruling.