From The Independent:
Scientific breakthrough will use global cable network to protect oil and gas pipelines – and politicians.
Scientists have perfected a new technology that can transform a fibre optic cable into a highly sensitive microphone capable of detecting a single footstep from up to 40km away.
Guards at listening posts protecting remote sensitive sites from attackers such as terrorists or environmental saboteurs can eavesdrop across huge tracts of territory using the new system which has been created to beef up security around national borders, railway networks, airports and vital oil and gas pipelines.
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My Comment: The applications for this technology are mind-blowing. I am sure that the FBI, NSA, and God only knows who else will be looking at the applications for this tech.