Why Google's Copy Protection Raises Privacy Issues
from the tradeoffs dept
We've already noted our concerns about Google's decision to create their own copy protection scheme. Beyond the incompatibility issue (which is a big one), it also raises questions about security and privacy, as copy protection schemes, by their very nature have tradeoffs when it comes to privacy and security. Ed Felten is digging into Google's copy protection and believes that the company made some bad choices concerning your privacy. Basically, of the options they had for setting up the copy protection, the one they chose is the one that stores the most amount of information -- basically, who you are, what you're watching and when you're watching it. Because the system calls home to Google every time you want to watch a video you purchased, they basically have a complete record of your viewing habits. While it's nice that, so far, Google is willing to go out of its way to protect the data they have on you from your friendly government officials, that doesn't mean they'll always be able to. It should, however, reinforce the questions people should be asking about just how much they trust Google.
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What's the real problem?
What concerns me the most of that is you could be from another country and your information is easily obtainable by another country's Gov't while you're deprived of your right to privacy as provided by your Gov't. (At least from what I understood).
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Re: What's the real problem?
I bought it. Let them be happy with that. What and when I watch it is now my business.
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Re: What's the real problem?
You're ok with Google collecting private info about what is watched by who and when, because "you're watching legal material, aren't you". But you can't wait to slam the government, when essentially the same argument can be made...."you're watching legal material, aren't you".
I don't mean this to be a "flame" or anything. I respect opinions on all sides. I think you're right about not wanting the govt to access the info. I just can't believe how many anti-government posts have been hitting the site lately. Seems like anything negative in an article can be stretched to build up an attack on the President.
Marc
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Re: What's the real problem?
The digitalization of information has countless benefits, but it could also lead to a tightly controlled society.
It's only a matter of time.
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Re: What's the real problem?
And no where in this article do I see a mention of the President. But once again, it seems to me anyway that he is indeed the ringmaster of that circus. So like they say, don't piss down my leg...well, you know the rest.
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Re: What's the real problem?
whats next? Why dont they put a video camera in evry home, parking lot, store, anywhere and everywhere that way we can track everybody all the time. Oh yeah and why dont we implant a computer chip into your body so we can know your location at all times and where you have been.
F__ the communist republican nazi government
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Re: What's the real problem?
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Re: What's the real problem?
January 15, 1920 - You're a pub owner selling beer, minding your own business, nobody bothers you. January 16, 1920 - You have a history of criminal activity which the feds use to raid your building, destroy your property and put you in jail while they "investigate" whether you've violated the 18th Amendment.
Moral: laws change. Be wary of anyone who keeps records on you -- whether what you do is "legal" (right now) or not.[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
If true, that seems like it would make it DOA.
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Privacy of Entrepreneurs?
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/news/jan/o20060120_10.htm
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No Subject Given
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Google Privacy
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Don't forget the Patriot Act
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Re: Don't forget the Patriot Act
So, an FBI supervisor writing a letter wouldn't necessarily have the same type of impact as it did from 9/11 to the end of 2005.
And did the PATRIOT Act really cover that kind of strong-arming? Dang, I've been out of the loop.
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If Google really cared
But you gotta remember that Google's bottom line is making more money, and they will accomplish that no matter the cost. By collecting your viewing habits they are able to utilize better targeted ad campaigns.
They know eventually their information collected on users is going to be compromized. Wether it be in 2 months or 15 years. So if they really cared about peoples privacy, they wouldnt collect the information in the first place. But the financial gains outweigh the risk to its users.
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Re: If Google really cared
Every time you swipe your tesco store card they know where you live, what you bought, when was the last time you bought it, but who cares enough to complain? Nobody. If you don't like this you dont hand over your card at the till. People who are really that concerned about this kind of thing need to start taking responsability for their own online actions.
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google
vive los google
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