What Is The Matrix?

"Qorvis Communications is representing Seisint Inc., the Boca Raton-based database company, that is home to the Matrix -- Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange -- which has privacy advocates on edge," O'Dwyer's PR Reports. According to an Associated Press story, the Matrix is similar to Admiral Poindexter's ill-fated Terrorism Information Awareness program. Receiving $12 million in federal funds, the Matrix pools government records from 13 states and cross references them with private data. Matrix boosters say it's a tool for state and local police. AP report, however, that access may be given to the Central Intelligence Agency, violating a 1970s law placed on the agency. "Amber Zentis, of Qorvis, handles the Seisint account. She has more than 25 years of experience in the private and public sectors, and counseled Lockheed Martin on its 'smart card' initiative in southern California," O'Dwyer's reports. Qorvis has received frequent media attention for representing Saudi Arabia.