Re: [Kantara - Community] Privacy underestimated by the privileged [was: Google+ "real" names and NSTIC]

Nick, Do you really compare the Internet -- the global business infrastructure of the future -- with a public square?? The comparison is not even wrong. One's everyday activities in "public" actually benefit from a host of inherent privacy features (collection limitation, use & disclosure limitation, data retention limitation) that are shattered by information technologies. If Google's and Facebook's call for the end of anonymity were to extend to public squares, we'd be talking about installing CCTVs, tatooing names on peoples' foreheads, recording everyone's comings and goings, and providing those records to any old private company to make whatever commercial use they see fit. See also http://lockstep.com.au/blog/2011/01/26/public-yet-still-private Cheers Steve Wilson Lockstep. On 2/08/2011 1:11 PM, Nicholas Crown wrote:

If they want to enjoy private communications online, then they should build their own private network. Why do we believe that public infrastructure should be treated any differently than the public square?

As for persecution, I understand the concerns. There are ways to communicate about sensitive issues that don't involve social networking sites. Hiding behind a pseudonym will do nothing to advance the cause for which one should fear the risks of exposure. Plenty of revolutions were started without the help of anonymous tweets. They figured out a way to get it done, because the cause was worth the risk. Our Identity ecosystem doesn't need the complexity and issues that come with this anymore than someone who is willing to die for their cause needs a mask to hide behind while online.

Nick

On Mon, Aug 1, 2011 at 7:08 PM, Stephen Wilson mailto:swilson@lockstep.com.au> wrote:

Nicholas,

I wonder if you are a middle class, middle aged white guy who has been lucky enough to have never experienced persecution, or had good grounds to fear it? The implicit sentiment that "if you've got nothing to hide, you've got nothing to worry about" is too often the position of the privileged. Can you not imagine that expressing one's political or religious views (for example) brings personal risks to many of the dispossessed or disadvantaged in the world. Why should people have to go hide offline to enjoy privacy of their communications?

Steve.

Stephen Wilson Managing Director Lockstep Group

Phone +61 (0)414 488 851 tel:%2B61%20%280%29414%20488%20851

http://lockstep.com.au http://www.lockstep.com.au Lockstep Consulting provides independent specialist advice and analysis on digital identity and privacy. Lockstep Technologies develops unique new smart ID solutions that enhance privacy and prevent identity theft.