gut;1455500 wrote:I maintain it's far, far less an issue of "privacy" than of the govt abusing the information.

Exactly. Most don't have much of a problem if Verizon has records that they were in contact with the NRA or any other politically affiliated group. Or Google tracks their internet activity. None wield the power of government. This is why this IRS scandal is so damaging. It displays to the informed public the reality that arms of the government can be used to harass the executive branches political adversaries.

gut;1455500 wrote:And I think the major hiccup here is the clandestine nature has caused the tech to race ahead of the protection of rights. The lack of public debate has led to perhaps unintentional trampling of rights.

You have really hit the nail on the head here. In the not to distant future we are going to progress from smart phones to smart homes. For the sake of convenience and cost savings many Americans will allow their energy usage to be recorded in detail. Eventually evolving into a cashless society where virtually all economic activity will leave an electronic trail.

And so it begins

http://boingboing.net/2013/06/13/accused-bank-robber-wants-nsa.html

SportsAndLady;1458061 wrote:And so it begins

http://boingboing.net/2013/06/13/accused-bank-robber-wants-nsa.html

That would only prove he didn't have his cellphone when robbing the bank

Anyone got Obama's #? I'd like to cut out the middle man and just send my dick pics straight to him.

Pick6;1458251 wrote:Anyone got Obama's #? I'd like to cut out the middle man and just send my dick pics straight to him.

Google won't allow it. There's no money in it.