Right of privacy - Technology
The other day, I made a tentative appointment with someone. The next thing I know there is a link in my Outlook with the date, etc. I didn't insert it. The other person did and it was emailed to me and automatically inserted into my system.
This is the most egregious invasion of privacy on my computer that I have experienced. This "hacking" is far more subtle and violative of my personal boundaries than any spam or virus I've ever received. Microsoft seems to think that this is a good use of technology and a time saver ... but, it is an intrusion into my system that I didn't endorse nor want. On the other hand, it is a legitimate business contact and an appointment I want to keep.
Wired GC says: "With Google Maps and telephone number reverse lookups, we now know what Sun's Scott McNealy meant when he said we have no privacy, get over it."
I guess I'm old-fashioned. I still believe in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, and the right to be protected against the invasion of my privacy without my consent ... traits that made this country different from others. As one said many years ago, your freedom stops where my nose begins! Or am I being too sensitive? Has technology now given us the tools to cross the borders of the Bill of Rights with no one to protest?
