Google, A Multitude of Queries... -- Soc, Tech
*
A quick further note about the Google Question -- according to this article in The New York Times, the information being sought by the U.S. Justice Department would be stripped of any personal data. In other words, it would have no identifiable connection between the user and the search string... Though I'd imagine that if you type in your own name in absolutely every search string (due to, say, terminal narcissism), you're identity might still be compromised.
On the other hand, while the rest of us may not be directly affected by this particular database sweep, there are plenty of other individuals and organizations out there trying to mine your data. So you still might want to try the precautions mentioned here. That doesn't mean you have to fanatically follow the latest in computer technology to defend yourself -- occasionally checking on the effectiveness of your computer's firewall, anti-virus software, adware, etc... or having a competent professional do it for you.
It's a bit like getting your vaccinations, or having a plan, water, half a tank of gas and a month's supply of food in case of a disaster -- it won't stop the sky from falling, but in many scenarios it will greatly enhance your own safety and, if enough people follow suit, the stability and survivability of your society as well.
Future Imperative
A quick further note about the Google Question -- according to this article in The New York Times, the information being sought by the U.S. Justice Department would be stripped of any personal data. In other words, it would have no identifiable connection between the user and the search string... Though I'd imagine that if you type in your own name in absolutely every search string (due to, say, terminal narcissism), you're identity might still be compromised.
On the other hand, while the rest of us may not be directly affected by this particular database sweep, there are plenty of other individuals and organizations out there trying to mine your data. So you still might want to try the precautions mentioned here. That doesn't mean you have to fanatically follow the latest in computer technology to defend yourself -- occasionally checking on the effectiveness of your computer's firewall, anti-virus software, adware, etc... or having a competent professional do it for you.
It's a bit like getting your vaccinations, or having a plan, water, half a tank of gas and a month's supply of food in case of a disaster -- it won't stop the sky from falling, but in many scenarios it will greatly enhance your own safety and, if enough people follow suit, the stability and survivability of your society as well.
Future Imperative
posted by Ralph Cerchione | Thursday, January 26, 2006
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home