Data Retention Directive = Privacy Abuse?

[Videoskooter]

The European Parliament has voted Yes to the Data Detention Directive as a part of the War On Terror. Internetproviders and Telcomcompanies are bound to store the data of their subscribers (Phone, Mobile, Mail, Internet) for a long period.

Interesting fact is that the American CMBA (Creative and Media Business Alliance) and its European franchise IFPI now demand that they too can use these data when they investigate illegal downloads and copyright cases.

So when we are worrying about the Sony Rootkit, the sharks are preparing other surprises for the musiclovers.

I think that the internet is becoming more and more a dangerous weapon and that we surely are going towards an abusive technology. GPS, mobiles, PC's, banccards: they all have their benefits but they are also a tool to control us 24/7.

Do u agree with this or do u fear that freedom and democracy are going down the drain with all this wizardry?

http://www.openrightsgroup.org/2005/...r-step-closer/

[paul]

I share your concern Johan. What's even more troubling for me is how easily people I know in the states are willing to sacrifice freedoms for safety and security. :evil: They think their getting that in exchange. My view is these people doing these intrusive things eventually become worse than the devil they're protecting us from. :evil:

[QUINNY]

Quite honestly, they've been able to track all internet, fax, phone calls and goodness knows what else for some time now (about 10 years?). It's good of them to finally let us know about it, even if it is a little late in the day.

I'm convinced computers will be the downfall of the human race, one way or another.

[Videoskooter]

I'm convinced computers will be the downfall of the human race, one way or another.

I agree, I think we're going to pay a very high price for our worshipping of the Cybergods. I fear that George Lucas' "THX-138" was much more visionary than all his Star Wars-stuff.

And to answer Paul: we just have to sacrifice some rights for our safety but...do people know how far the wizardry is going already.
Last week I saw a program on what Satellites are capable of these days and that most of them are controlled by private companies. Who is monitoring them?????