The Department of Defense is maintaining a "Joint Advertising and Market Research Studies" Recruiting Database of over 30 million Americans between 16 and 25 years old. Huge exemptions to federal privacy laws leave it wide open for the DOD to disclose your kid's personal information without your permission! Go to the EPIC website for more information on the DOD Recruiting Database. If that's not enough, recruiters are at your child's school and recruiting your children without your permission. You have to opt out to keep them from actively recruiting your child. At my high school we had a recruiting station in one corner of the library with lots of pamphlets and brochures and once in a while a member of one of distinguished members of our Armed Services would be available to talk to any kid who was interested. I have absolutely no problem with that, What I do have a problem with is situations like the one described on MotherJones.Com. Where a young man was aggressively targeted by recruiters possessing information that he did not give them. I support all of our men and women in our Armed Forces and believe that military experience can be invaluable to many young people, but whatever happened to the old fashioned way of recruiting where interested kids sought out the recruiter? 2 of my own children have or are considering military service but I will be damned if I want some specially trained headhunter armed with insider information strong arming any of my kids into service. Remember, ours is a volunteer military.
Links
http://privacy.org/archives/003140.html
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2009/09/few-good-kids
http://epic.org/privacy/student/doddatabase.html
Showing posts with label privacy violation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label privacy violation. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
GPS Tracking for Sex Offenders and Restraining Orders
What first seems like a common sense use for a valuable technology may in fact set a dangerous precedent for everyone. There are some who would like to use GPS technology to keep track of sex offenders and those who have had restraining orders placed upon them. In fact some states have already implemented this practice and more are likely to jump on the bandwagon. While I do not disagree with tracking of convicted felons as a condition of their parole, they are getting out early after all, I do feel that we should watch this trend very closely. By tracking offenders after their parole is up or individuals who have not been convicted of any crime as in the case of restraining orders, we are opening a door for the government to infringe on our privacy and civil liberties.
First let's consider how easy it is to get a restraining order in some states, and please keep in mind that each state has their own laws regarding restraining orders. Many a man going through a rough divorce has been barred from entering his own home or seeing his children based strictly on a statement by his wife that he has threatened her or the children. Perhaps this accusation is often true, but I am certain that this is not always the case. In some cases a restraining order may be enacted without any knowledge by the restrained person until he is served the order, meaning he may have never had any chance to refute the claims. Some restraining orders even have "relinquish firearms" provisions which means the subject has to turn any firearms and ammunition over to the authorities even though there may have been no crime.
Next lets consider the actual usefulness of tracking the individual. Individuals intent on doing bodily harm seldom let a restraining order stand in their way, hence the desire to track the individuals. The problem is, in my opinion, that GPS tracking will do very little to discourage violation of a restraining order by a determined individual. The tracking system would use a geo-fencing feature that could alert authorities if the 'offender' enters a restricted area, such as the victim's work place or neighborhood. However unless the 'victim' is also wearing a GPS tracker or carries a proximity alarm of some type the technology will only be helpful if the 'victim' is in one of the restricted areas. The record produce by the tracking system could prove useful as evidence in case the offender does violate the restraining order. Not much consolation to the victim perhaps, but it might help get a bad guy off the streets.
As with any technology GPS tracking can be used for good or bad we just need to be aware of the bad so we can make sure any laws that may pass contain provisions to protect law abiding citizens. I don't object to tracking someone who is a real threat to someone else but I think the threat should have to proven. A restraining order is not the same a criminal conviction where the accused has had the opportunity to provide a defense and face his accuser therefore they should not be able to infringe on any Constitutionally or God given rights.
In closing I think GPS may be appropriate for violent criminals on parole or out on bail and for individuals who have already violated a restraining order. GPS tracking is not appropriate in cases where there is no compelling evidence of a threat to the safety of the person requesting the order.
Links
Bill for GPS Tracking on Restraining Order Violations Could Head to State Legislature
A GPS Tracking System Could Assist with Restraining Orders
Wikipedia - Restraining order
First let's consider how easy it is to get a restraining order in some states, and please keep in mind that each state has their own laws regarding restraining orders. Many a man going through a rough divorce has been barred from entering his own home or seeing his children based strictly on a statement by his wife that he has threatened her or the children. Perhaps this accusation is often true, but I am certain that this is not always the case. In some cases a restraining order may be enacted without any knowledge by the restrained person until he is served the order, meaning he may have never had any chance to refute the claims. Some restraining orders even have "relinquish firearms" provisions which means the subject has to turn any firearms and ammunition over to the authorities even though there may have been no crime.
Next lets consider the actual usefulness of tracking the individual. Individuals intent on doing bodily harm seldom let a restraining order stand in their way, hence the desire to track the individuals. The problem is, in my opinion, that GPS tracking will do very little to discourage violation of a restraining order by a determined individual. The tracking system would use a geo-fencing feature that could alert authorities if the 'offender' enters a restricted area, such as the victim's work place or neighborhood. However unless the 'victim' is also wearing a GPS tracker or carries a proximity alarm of some type the technology will only be helpful if the 'victim' is in one of the restricted areas. The record produce by the tracking system could prove useful as evidence in case the offender does violate the restraining order. Not much consolation to the victim perhaps, but it might help get a bad guy off the streets.
As with any technology GPS tracking can be used for good or bad we just need to be aware of the bad so we can make sure any laws that may pass contain provisions to protect law abiding citizens. I don't object to tracking someone who is a real threat to someone else but I think the threat should have to proven. A restraining order is not the same a criminal conviction where the accused has had the opportunity to provide a defense and face his accuser therefore they should not be able to infringe on any Constitutionally or God given rights.
In closing I think GPS may be appropriate for violent criminals on parole or out on bail and for individuals who have already violated a restraining order. GPS tracking is not appropriate in cases where there is no compelling evidence of a threat to the safety of the person requesting the order.
Links
Bill for GPS Tracking on Restraining Order Violations Could Head to State Legislature
A GPS Tracking System Could Assist with Restraining Orders
Wikipedia - Restraining order
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Use Cash for Clunkers Website and Your Computer Belongs to the Government
The Cash for Clunkers program may seem enticing but as the old saying goes, "here is no free lunch". If you try to log in to the Cash for Clunkers website you have to agree to the privacy policy, which of course no-one ever reads... After agreeing to the privacy policy a warning box pops up telling you that your computer will become property of the government and anything stored on your computer can be retrieved and shared, even with foreign entities.
Check out the video below to see how the government is tricking people into letting them irrevocable access EVERYTHING on their personal computers.
Check out the video below to see how the government is tricking people into letting them irrevocable access EVERYTHING on their personal computers.
Whitehouse Wants You to Report Anyone Who Speaks Out Against Healthcare Reform
It's true. The government is requesting assistance from the public in quashing dissension from those evil right wing extremists (ie, anyone who disagrees)! Seriously. Check out this excerpt from the Whitehouse blog:
Scary isn't it? Check out this link at RedState regarding the legality of this. White House Actions Might Be Unlawful
There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.And just in case public response forces the removal of the statement from the Whitehouse blog here is a screenshot for posterity.
Scary isn't it? Check out this link at RedState regarding the legality of this. White House Actions Might Be Unlawful
Sunday, July 27, 2008
G8 Threatens Privacy!
Here are a couple of important (read: terrifying) tidbits that came out of the G8 Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting held June 11-13, 2008.
The G8 is pushing for its member states to monitor Mobile and ISP traffic for copyrighted material to further a high level treaty called the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) that they are working on. So not only will your ISP be spying on you (in the interest of fighting piracy of course) but so will your cell phone company!
I do not condone piracy, but this seems a little too Orwellian to me. Next thing you know the governments could be strong arming service providers of all types to listen for “potential terrorists” engaging in suspicious or anti government talk. Hello!?!? You may as well use the Constitution for toilet paper!
Additionally the G8 wants to give airport customs officials the right to scan portable media players for copyrighted material. Giving customs officials the power to scan MP3 players, laptops and even mobile phones for illegally-obtained copyrighted material when passengers pass through borders seems ridiculous to me. Most likely these pirated items would have come from the internet and have absolutely NOTHING to do with a person physically flying to another country. Ok, you want to look in my luggage to find the 30 Madonna CDs I burned at home and I plan to sell in Bangkok, fine, but what the hell am I going to have on my laptop that I couldn’t download sitting in a Starbucks anywhere In the world.
Of course the owners of a copyright need protection but not at the expense of personal freedom. There HAS to be a better way than having some jackbooted thug digitally violate you in the interest of protecting some rich bastard’s profit margin!
Note: The G8 Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting is a forum allowing the G8 (Japan, Italy, Canada, France, USA, UK, Russia, Germany) Ministers responsible for justice and home affairs, the EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, and the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) to meet and discuss matters of common interest. From: http://www.g8jha2008.jp/eng/what.html
Sources
http://www.g8jha2008.jp/eng/what.html
http://www.switched.com/2008/07/20/airports-may-scan-for-illegal-downloads-on-mobile-devices/
http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/g8_acta_think_twice_before_you_share_protected_content.php
The G8 is pushing for its member states to monitor Mobile and ISP traffic for copyrighted material to further a high level treaty called the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) that they are working on. So not only will your ISP be spying on you (in the interest of fighting piracy of course) but so will your cell phone company!
I do not condone piracy, but this seems a little too Orwellian to me. Next thing you know the governments could be strong arming service providers of all types to listen for “potential terrorists” engaging in suspicious or anti government talk. Hello!?!? You may as well use the Constitution for toilet paper!
Additionally the G8 wants to give airport customs officials the right to scan portable media players for copyrighted material. Giving customs officials the power to scan MP3 players, laptops and even mobile phones for illegally-obtained copyrighted material when passengers pass through borders seems ridiculous to me. Most likely these pirated items would have come from the internet and have absolutely NOTHING to do with a person physically flying to another country. Ok, you want to look in my luggage to find the 30 Madonna CDs I burned at home and I plan to sell in Bangkok, fine, but what the hell am I going to have on my laptop that I couldn’t download sitting in a Starbucks anywhere In the world.
Of course the owners of a copyright need protection but not at the expense of personal freedom. There HAS to be a better way than having some jackbooted thug digitally violate you in the interest of protecting some rich bastard’s profit margin!
Note: The G8 Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting is a forum allowing the G8 (Japan, Italy, Canada, France, USA, UK, Russia, Germany) Ministers responsible for justice and home affairs, the EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, and the Secretary-General of the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) to meet and discuss matters of common interest. From: http://www.g8jha2008.jp/eng/what.html
Sources
http://www.g8jha2008.jp/eng/what.html
http://www.switched.com/2008/07/20/airports-may-scan-for-illegal-downloads-on-mobile-devices/
http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/g8_acta_think_twice_before_you_share_protected_content.php
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