Google Ogles in Oligarchies
This is from a crime writers’ list:
It is bad enough when government agencies intrude into our privacy, but even worse when we discover the extent of private enterprise to do the same. It is especially bad when they get huffy and tell us they aren’t doing anything wrong, but object when someone takes a look at their personal information.
The CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt, explains his position in the attached link. He is the man who banned CNet for a year when they published some information that they had gleaned from, yes, Google.
After reading the article, it’s no wonder the people from Google Australia have been so unhelpful in their approach when the privacy community have tried to engage them. I think it’s said a fish rots from the head, in Google’s case, the CEO’s attitude and probable approach to the policies within the company.
I find it interesting that Schmidt quotes the Patriot Act as a reason for data being accessed, but doesn’t seem to consider laws in other jurisdictions that would require them to STOP doing some of what they are doing otherwise. Of course, [and remember, I’m American and Australian] being that he’s American, he probably doesn’t give a toss about the laws of any other countries other than maybe China because of the $$ [or yuan] he might lose if he doesn’t play by their rule(s).
That first issue of lawful release versus unlawful release relates to other concepts: Privacy by Design and Surveillance by Design. The stakeholders aren’t part of the analysis, or should I say, the range of stakeholders, only those with the power position to call the shots, either by virtue of the ‘law’ or ‘dictator’ or ‘commercial interest’. If you’re the ’subject’ of the law/dictator/business, your interests are virtually, if not totally, ignored, or at least ‘rationalised’ out of the debate, even in supposed democracies, which are really oligarchies today. We are just so much chattel for their gain, either of more power or more money.
I believe our work will continue to be cut out for us in 2010 and beyond.
That’s enough deep thought for my week, particularly on a Sunday morning after Christmas!
But to leave you with a smile, check out this related video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrontojPWEE