Barbara, would it have been possible for the newspapers to conduct this activities, had the government laid down clear rules and guidance as to who is allowed to access our information?. The whole process needs to be reviewed and tightened I think.
@ Jay_Bond, that's exactly the point. There's nothing private anymore. Technology with its advantages has enabled the intrusion of our "privacy" possible. The question is where does the government draw the line? We understand and appreciate security and safety surveillance camera's coverage outside our homes but to monitor our daily conversations online and on the phone and other technological devices is just way too far I think.
It seems to me the UK tabloids have already established the ease at which this type of thing can be done. On a more serious note, there are a lot of opportunities for an abuse of this power if warrants are not required. I think there should always be due process when private communications are at stake.
The interesting thing about this 'snooper act', is that these sort of practices are commonplace. The government feels that in order to catch terrorists, drug dealers and other criminals that they need to cast a wide net. And if some innocent people get caught in the net, it's just collateral damage. We understand the need to get information and evidence to prevent crimes and prosecute these individuals, but at what cost. Do we need to worry about our private conversations not being so private anymore?
Ariella, according to the UK government, it seeks to keep up with the changes in technology to help combat crimes and enhance the safety of its citizen. There's no doubt the intentions are relevant. However,the contention relates to the handling and monitoring of these data. It's found wanting. The government needs to be open about who is responsible for what?, where are the data stored, how long are they stored for? what are they used for? etc. You see, clear measure and clarification is required. So far it's flawed.
The fact that 'the system could be wide open to abuse,'" certainly would give me pause and definitely leads to the question you raise at the end: "Why are they pressing ahead now with a once abandoned regulatory expansion?"
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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