Last week's blog attracted some interesting responses and shows that I'm not the only one that's noticing a looming privacy problem out there.
If you missed it, I spoke about the problems of increasing security by taking away our freedoms.
Here's what one respondent said:
Our little box of a computer contains so much information about us and our habits it's not funny, and I don't think anyone has the right to gain access to it.
And sadly we're seeing small parts of our privacy being taking away from us everyday. The big scary question in my mind is: when is it going to stop?
I like the point you made "Privacy is a right, and if someone abuses it then it should get taken away". I agree with this statement, but don't the police and government do this right now? Do they want more power? Why? And who is going to monitor the monitors? Should tax payers' money be spent on checking people's computers to find out how many times they checked their hotmail account or what they bid on eBay? It's stupid. I think all computer users should send out the message to governments and the IT community and say "MY PC IS MY WORLD, BACK OFF!"
And here's another response:
You say in your latest Opinion: "We'll go into an unhealthy spiral where tightened security that's designed to protect our free way of life actually takes it away."
Well, the US are already well into that spiral, and Australia, under our illustrious leader John Howard, is heading to join them. As Michael Moore noted, the US is big on fostering fear in their society. Look at their prison rate. Compare the US and Canada - households in the US are all locked up tight, while across the border in Canada no-one locks their homes - nor is it needed. For some reason, the US has created a fearful, very divided, very un-equal society. Fortunately, there are still a hell of a lot of people in the US who disagree with their President on how to rule the world.
All power to them.
The push in Australia for 'law and order' (eg 'zero tolerance', 'being alert', rejecting asylum seekers etc etc) - rather than looking at causes - sees us faithfully following the US. But to where? As many have noted, the public/media questioning of terrible events such as September 11, or the Bali bombings - or even the Tampa affair - focus on what, who, how - but not 'why'.
And that will not lead to a safer, more peaceful world.
Asking 'why' is probably the most important thing. Why protect privacy? Well, there are many thin edges to the wedge, and privacy is probably one of them. I am not sure that the technology aspect is so important - you don't need high-tech to crack down on rights - just think of Pol Pot. But it may make it that bit easier. And easier to fudge the basic issues.
So yes, let us continue to resist intrusions into our rights.
And denounce appalling acts of terror all over the world. The twin towers. Bali. Israel and Palestine. East Timor. Iraq. Aceh.
But at the same time, lets take a look at who is taking us where. And why.
And also ask why some people are very, very upset.
I'm always interested in your responses, from both sides of the fence, so if you want to add anything to this hot topic, head over to the forums (go to 'Interactive | Forums' in the navbar) or email me at dkidd@pcauthority.com.au.