SMCJB 

This is not really on topic for this discussion but since I've mentioned my local police force and their automated license plate reading system several times (and the weekly email from the Police of Chief) I thought this excerpt from the latest email would highlight how much technology is changing even if it isnt directly related to privacy... The 4-foot diameter dome, that resembles a radar weather dome, is actually an automatic retractable hangar for our Drone. The department has been working with a company over the past two years on a system to automatically dispatching a drone to certain police calls and assist officers and other first responders by being able to provide ariel support.

I think this actually is directly related to the question of privacy today.

If I lived where you are and got that message, I would simultaneously think it is very good from a public safety viewpoint they have that tool, and very disturbing from a privacy viewpoint.

If we feel we can trust the authorities, which I do want to do, then I naturally want them to be able to respond quickly to suspicious activity. It could easily save a life, catch a perpetrator, stop a crime. But it's also one more occasion when someone can be watching you.

I prefer to have trust in its good use, and so that would be how I took it. But some people probably would think me naïve, and they may be right....

So there's the dilemma, one of the dilemmas of our times.

Bob.

Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

Apple is taking the unprecedented step of removing its highest level data security tool from customers in the UK, after the government demanded access to user data.

Advanced Data Protection (ADP) means only account holders can view items such as photos or documents they have stored online through a process known as end-to-end encryption.

But earlier this month the UK government asked for the right to see the data, which currently not even Apple can access.

Apple did not comment at the time but has consistently opposed creating a "backdoor" in its encryption service, arguing that if it did so, it would only be a matter of time before bad actors also found a way in.

Now the tech giant has decided it will no longer be possible to activate ADP in the UK.


Full article on BBC News

Privacy in the digital age feels increasingly fragile. With constant data collection and tracking, protecting personal information is a challenge. I believe stronger encryption, transparency, and user control are essential to regain trust and ensure our digital lives stay private and secure.

Speaking of digital privacy, I noticed a peculiar situation as of late. On my home network, I have several computers to which I use Remote Desktop to access. If I perform a search on or chat about it on an Internet forum, on my main computer, then later I will see ads referencing those topics on the networked computers, on which I didn't search or write about those topics.

Digital privacy is not only fragile. It's been severely compromised. Scrubbing the Internet for my personal information and requesting removal is task that I find myself doing occasionally.