Maybe this is a fairly dull topic for a blog, or maybe it's exactly what the blogsphere feeds on, but something that intrigues me is the general and individual attitudes of society to "privacy of information".
Turn on Question Time and every so often there will be debate on ID cards. The woman I like to call "that little Chakrabati girl" will almost always be there defending civil liberties to privacy of data. "Why waste the time between home and station pondering on such as topic?" I heard you say.
Well, I'm new to the world of the iphone and it's wonderful appstore. But, in the last week I've entered more personal information into a small electronic device, including several locations, than any ID card system would ever seek to hold.
The purpose, to aid my every day life, but without a blink I've given up that information.
I'm not alone and yet the idea of the government who, like it or not, our democratic system suggests is here to help not hinder, holding all this information seems to make the average O2-subscribing, Apple-wielding lefty aghast.
I've got no problem with anyone knowing where I've been or what I've been doing and neither should anyone else who uses modern technology ....
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I have no problem with my data being available for all if I have a say in the matter. People's problem with the government holding so much personal data is over what they choose to do with that, and who they share it with. For example, I don't mind the government using my personal data for reasons they actually need to. For example, sending me my new tax code, or (gah) sending me a speeding fine.
ReplyDeleteI do object to them selling my data on, and I should at least have a say in that. In theory I would trust the mechanism of government to use my personal data with responsibility and common sense. In fact, I have little faith in the people charged with that responsibility to do that, from the highest level, to the little guy who processes forms.
So for the record, I'm not the average O2 subscribing, Apple wielding lefty, but I think giving people a level of control of the privacy of their own data is essential. Yes I use Twitter because I have that choice, and I don't have to, and I'm certainly selective about what I put on there.
Which brings me to your last point. Do you really want anybody being able to know where you are and at what time? Does that include the chav oik who might just be happy to know that you're away from home for a fortnight. Give him plenty of time to pick his moment, and clean out your home? Bah, I've already got a PS3!