Slashdot Mirror
The Gradual Erosion of the Right To Privacy
PeteV writes "There is an interesting article on the BBC's website based around research carried out by Dr. Kieron O'Hara of Southampton University. He points out that under British law, an individual's right to privacy is being eroded by the behavior of those who have no qualms about broadcasting every intimate detail of their life online (via social networking sites) because the privacy law is predicated in part upon the concept of a 'reasonable expectation of privacy.' I think his request 'for people to be more aware of the impact on society of what they publish online' is likely to fall on deaf ears, but in effect what he is saying is that the changing habits of the world-wide community of social networkers is likely to have an effect upon English law and how it is interpreted. Given that the significant bulk of social networkers are American, this might mean 'American behavior' could cause changes in the interpretation of English law (which is not to say English people don't also post their intimate details on Facebook)."
I've always wondered why that is considered both a grave insult and goal of the highest order. To many it is even their life ambition.
That being considered, I don't think it is so much an insult as it is well-wishes, somewhat like "good luck" or "have a nice day".
Translation of Translation:
"I have no real friends so I am relying on Facebook to cover the deficit."
We need to add the mod option "creepy".
And it's less than 140 characters.
Just saying...