FBI chief admits $170 Million computer failure - US Can't Effectively Track Terror Suspects

More than three years after the September 11 attacks, and $170m (£88m) later, the FBI has abandoned an attempt to upgrade its computer database, hampering America's ability to track suspected terrorists. FBI director Robert Mueller told Congress he took full responsibility for the failure of the project, known as the virtual case file (VCF). He also warned that the new project would take a further 3 years to complete. "It's my fault for not having put the appropriate persons in position to review that contract and assure that it was on track," Mr Mueller said. "I am tremendously disappointed that we did not come through with virtual case file, but by the same token, I see this as an opportunity." He said the FBI would now start from scratch, and look for a more updated, flexible system using off-the-shelf software. At the time of the September 11 attacks, the FBI was struggling with the most antiquated computer systems in America. The operating system was three decades old, and most of the bureau's field offices did not even have internet connections. For example, there was no way to transmit a digital photograph of a terrorist suspect. The commission investigating the 9/11 attacks found that shortcomings in the FBI's filing and archive system may have played a role in its failure to detect the al-Qaida plot. [more]