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OnStar Considered Harmful

Posted by timothy on from the go-ahead-we're-listening dept.

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."'"

6 of 480 comments (clear)

  1. Re:"Real privacy"? by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 5, Funny

    Exactly. Homeowner: "My house is on fire!" 411 Dispatcher: "Where are you?" Homeowner: "Erm, I don't want to say..."

  2. Onstar and the Beagle by Papa+Legba · · Score: 5, Funny

    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
  3. ohh the fucking irony.... by User+956 · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.
  4. Re:The usual. by brundlefly · · Score: 5, Funny
    Or, the government can use it to track you down and assassinate you because of your contributions to .
    Oh Jesus, the black-helicopters censored the end of your sentence! Run! Run!
  5. Re:"Real privacy"? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    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...

  6. If OnStar can start your car and unlock your doors by shrinkwrap · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... can it also STOP your car and LOCK your doors?