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Privacy Concerns Moving Into The Mainstream

Posted by Hemos on from the getting-the-attention-it-deserves dept.

Realistic_Dragon writes "The BBC today ran a thoughtful radio article (website, transcript, real audio) on the issues of privacy vs practicality in our modern society. An ideal primer for those that haven't given these things much thought before, with a balanced treatment of the subject and very few technical errors to drive one up the wall. Listening to the narrator's acerbic comments in reply to those that advocate the innocent have nothing to fear mantra is worth the download alone. Is this the kind of image that is presented in the media in the rest of the world, or are they still running with the 'big brother is your friend' party line?"

6 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. Do people care? by keybsnbits · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I certainly hope this is getting accross to the public. But seriously, how many people that don't already know about privacy actually care? I almost feel as if these words have been wasted on an audience that could care less. But I hope the message gest accross. I applaud the reporter who took the time to do the research into these privacy matters.

  2. Re:But by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    No, public spaces are not private. However, if you cannot see the difference between "not private" and "under constant surveilance" then you are a wanker.

  3. Re:The Privacy Jihad by dragonp12 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "They want to shackle law enforcement in the name of privacy"

    As it should be. Most Western countries are part of "The Free World", not police states. Supposedly.

    --
    This is me. Don't like it? That's unlucky.
  4. Re:The Privacy Jihad by thelexx · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "The bottom line is that your privacy isn't worth squat if you're dead."

    And my life isn't worth squat if I'm not free. You aren't a patriot. You're a coward.

    --
    "Gold still represents the ultimate form of payment in the world." - Alan Greenspan, 1999
  5. Re:The Privacy Jihad by jstave · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The problem with this attitude is that it assumes trustworthyness on the part of the law enforcement agencies. While this is a valid assumption in most cases, there have been quite a few cases of abuse of power by law-enforcement agencies. "Harassing the innocent" may not be the primary use, but in the past there has been enough of that kind of thing to make many law-abiding people nervous whenever more power is put into the hands of the "authorities".

  6. Explain this topic to a lay person by Sir+Holo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I challenge you, try to explain this topic to a non-technical person. In their terms, not yours. It's really hard.

    Try this analogy:
    Ever been deer hunting? If someone has no idea how deer behave, do they any chance of bagging one? No. If you know how to deal with their habits and preferences (stand downwind, near water, etc..), then you have a much better chance, don't you?

    Well, now imagine that Pepsi Co. wants some of your money. How much will it help their marketing department to have a much more fine-grained understanding of consumer behavior than they have now? They've got a much better chance, don't they?

    Now imagine how easy deer hunting would be if they all wore radio collars, so you could track them.

    True this is only one aspect of the privacy issue, but you don't want to over-challenge yourself. See how it works.