Slashdot Mirror
OnStar Considered Harmful
Frisky070802 writes "A few weeks ago Slashdot ran an article on the privacy issues in EzPass. Some of the comments referred to other things Big Brother could do with GPS in cars, and now the New York Times has run a column on what else your car is saying about you (free registration req'd). From the article: 'Aviel D. Rubin, the technical director of the Information Security Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said that every new technology with the potential to invade privacy was introduced with pledges that it would be used responsibly.
But over time, he said, the desire of law enforcement and business to use the data overtook the early promises. "The only way to get real privacy," he said, "is not to collect the information in the first place."'"
Exactly. Homeowner: "My house is on fire!" 411 Dispatcher: "Where are you?" Homeowner: "Erm, I don't want to say..."
Speak for yourself. I'm "typing" this via semaphore (you'd be surprised how quick it is once you get used to it, although you need to browse in text-only) in my underground, off-grid palace in the Mojav... ah, dammit!
Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
If you read the article, that now includes tires. So start driving on your rims when you're wearing your foil helmet.
riding round the world on an old motorcycle
Maybe if the Beagle 2 had onstar they would have an idea where it is now. privacy be damned.
Onstar: "Onstar operator here. I see that your airbags have deployed do you need assitance?"
Beagle 2: "Uh, no, everythings fine here."
Onstar: " We are concerend that you have fallen in a crator, can you confirm?"
Beagle 2 : " Look can I get some privacy here! I am in the crator taking a wicked piss. You would to if you had to travel that far without a potty break! I'll be in contact when I am done."
See mystery solved and an example of when to much privacy causes confussion.
Papa Legba come and open the gate
every new technology with the potential to invade privacy was introduced with pledges that it would be used responsibly. But over time, he said, the desire of law enforcement and business to use the data overtook the early promises. "The only way to get real privacy," he said, "is not to collect the information in the first place."'"
From the New York Times' mandatory registration page: "We'll keep your information private. The following fields are required. NYTimes.com respects your privacy, so we will never share any personal information without your consent."
What's on the front page tomorrow, an in-depth report on the pot and the kettle?
The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
If you call directory assistance (411) when your house is on fire, then you're probably going to die.
Then again, they can tell you the number for 911 and connect you for just 75 cents more...
wears a tinfoil hat.
Ben
Work Safe Porn
... can it also STOP your car and LOCK your doors?
This company is promoting a 24/7 GPS service that enables you to track your vehicle and it will keep you informed if there is any maintenance needed.
I've heard the commercials on the radio, and they spend about 20 seconds describing the technology, then the other 40 seconds are spent on a female voice reading what at first sound like legal disclaimers. But then she says something like "Network Car may not be used to track your husband, find out how lost he got on the way to the grocery store, and then call him to make fun of him." Pretty funny stuff, actually.
Homestarrunner.net -- It's Dot Com!
don't install anything trackable in your car
Thanks. I just removed my license plate!
You are more than the sum of what you consume. Desire is not an occupation.
Everyone on Slashdot gets laid.
Qualitas edurus commercium, nullus penitus net rimor, nullus deus beneficium
So you post it to Slashdot? Really ARE concerned about your privacy, eh?
You know the old chestnut:
... ... ... ...
"What'd you pull me over for, Officer"
"Yer headlight's out"
"Not its not"
{smash, tinkle}
"Yes it is"
Here's the future of OnStar...
"Sir? This is OnStar. Your car has reached a recommended service interval. Would you like to book an appointment now?"
"No, thank you."
"OnStar, how may I help you?"
"My car will only do 5 miles an hour."
"That's correct sir. As a courtesy to OnStar members, GM offers their GOFAST, GM Online Failure Avoidance Safety Tracking System free of charge. For your safety and convenience, your car will continue to operate at this safe speed until the safety systems have been verified by a GM-ceritified engineer."
"I heard that, sir."
"OnStar, how may I help you?"
"The hood won't open"
"The system indicates that you are not at an authorized GM service center."
(somebody else can finish the story...)
Who decided that human lives are worth saving?
I think that live free or die doesn't go far enough! It should be live free AND die... i want it both ways! The freedom to kill is the 0th Amendment to the motherfucking constitution, and when some bastard tries it out on me, I will try it out on him! Law of the fucking wild! Kill 'em all, and then cook the corpses! Feed the hungry by killing the stupid! Afraid of speeders? Fuck you! Drive faster than them! Homicidal gun toting guy behind you? Oil slick! Innocent third parties? No such thing! You're alive, you are NOT innocent! It's on the arch above the inside of your mom's vagina: "Welcome to life on Earth. watch your ass."
Subaru with an Onstar? Nice. What did they do, steal the onstar system out of a GM car and wire it into the Suby before driving it away?
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Operator, get me the number for 9-1-1!
Speaking of privacy, the FBI is now concerned that almanacs can be used for terrorism! You think I'm kidding? So, when the guberment locates your vehicle, they will arrest you for your almanac, and probably your road maps.
If you want to keep your OnStar information secret from law enforcement... You must be a terrorist!!! ;-)
Be aware there is a difference between a bad driver and somebody that dries well but above the posted artificialy low limits.
The difference is rationalization.
No, the difference is obviously how wet they start out, whether they go through the spin cycle, and what temperature they dry at. If the drivers are soaking wet, you put them through the spin cycle, and you dry them at a high temperature, drivers get all bent out of shape and shrink.
Your best bet with drivers, like with all sensitive items, is to drip-dry them.
... but I once had a customer on the phone ordering satellite TV. Having given me her name, date of birth, maiden name, and credit card details, I asked for her address.
Her - "Oh, I never give my address out over the 'phone, you just don't know do you?"
Me - "Erm, you do know that we need to send someone to your house to fit the dish?"
Her - "Yes, but I won't give out my address on the phone"
I hung up on her.