Re: got gmai?

Cliff Wells wrote:

> I agree with you about how we are mercilessly tracked in modern society.
> I also acknowledge that most of the time the end result is actually
> beneficial (targeted marketing, reduced costs, lowered prices, for
> example, 911 using GPS with cell phones, etc).  However, there is
> definitely a line to be drawn.  This is a perfect example of what's
> commonly referred to as a "slippery slope".  It's easy to dismiss all
> these invasions of privacy as "modern life".

I think we would probably agree, for the most part, on how we might 
evaluate the risks and benefits of significant changes in our privacy. 
  There are programs (such as TIA or CAPPS) whose risk/benefit profiles 
should be examined very closely.

That said, much of what we react to as "new" is only new to us.   To 
paraphrase/twist William Gibson a bit, the present has been here for a 
long time... it just wasn't very evenly distributed.


> To jump way out in left
> field (but it's a strong example), most children from abusive families
> don't recognize that they are being abused until well into adulthood,
> simply because it seems "normal" to them.

I agree that there are reasons to be deeply concerned.  I'm concerned 
that we now accept as normal that an adult should carry ID with them at 
all times and it's questionable to what degree we still have the right 
to remain silent[*].  We're becoming accustomed to quite a bit these 
days.


> I would prefer that Safeway not associate my name with the purchases I
> make (I can see no additional benefit to having a name linked with the
> number), so I'd stop short of a standing ovation.

The reason they keep your name and address is so they can send you 
targeted coupons, which is arguably a service.  But they don't do 
anything to verify the validity of the name & address you provide, so 
it's pretty easy to get the benefits of registration without submitting 
yourself to the indignity of junk mail.


> Sure, and I'd agree for the most part.  Except for the part where you
> forget you are talking about today and acting like the future will never
> arrive with its mergers and buy-outs and privacy-shredding laws that
> will eventually tie all this info into your dossier for review by the
> FBI or whoever deems it "necessary" to "investigate" you.  Probably
> without your knowledge.

I'm not forgetting it, I'm discounting it.

It's impossible to know what political, social or economic context your 
accumulated data may some day be viewed in.  Perhaps, some day, the 
world may be run by vegetarians and I'll wish I could bury the records 
proving how many years I indulged in burgers and sushi without remorse. 
  Perhaps my lack of religious beliefs or distro choices will be used 
against me some day.  Who knows.

In the meantime, I'm going to live my life *as though* it may some day 
be subject to review.  I'm pretty sure it will be.  Since I can't 
possibly know what standards my actions will be judged by, I can only 
make the choice to live by standards I'd be willing to defend.

Dylan

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[*] http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/24/dorf.police.id/