Just posted this on a privacy list in Canada, but thought you might be interested: <clip> Last week the headline was: "Microsoft shops crowd sentiment analysis engine to Republic and Democratic National Conventions http://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-shops-crowd-sentiment-analysis-engine-to-re..." where the lead line was about Microsoft monetizing their research. Today the headline is: "Romanian spies want to spot faces in a crowd - illegally, say human rights groups http://www.zdnet.com/article/romanian-spies-want-to-spot-faces-in-a-crowd-il..." In their defence, the intelligence agency says that "The system does not collect new data. It only analyses existing data, based on algorithms." OK then. That makes it all right. I can't think of a better demonstration of the necessity for transparency and public oversight in the development and deployment of technologies that collect, use or disclose information about individuals. If the most profitable markets are political parties and intelligence agencies who want to collect the information for good (our guys) or ill (their guys) then in the absence of any other influence, companies go into those markets. <clip> This highlights the importance of the proactive tools that we are developing, like user submitted terms & UMA, along with the consent receipt for accountability. Sincerely, John Wunderlich @PrivacyCDN Call: +1 (647) 669-4749 eMail: john@wunderlich.ca -- This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.