Tech Musing #3
Title: Tech Titans Slam Encryption Bill as 'Unworkable'
Link: http://www.pcmag.com/news/343875/tech-titans-slam-encryption-bill-as-unworkable
Summary:
Since we've covered a lot of topics regarding privacy, hacking, and overall digital security, I found this article to add another dimension to the battle against backdoor software(in regards to Apple's recent FBI fight). It highlights how a coalition of privacy/tech associations/groups have come together and criticized the recently proposed Encryption Bill as "unworkable". They explained how the Bill would make tech companies focus more on allowing access for Governments, than for designing the operating systems to keep digital information private. These groups represent the largest tech firms in the nation including Apple, Google, Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, Amazon, etc.
This article is relevant to all MIS majors because we've reached a point in society where information has become valuable, more specifically, the data. We've already been informed about our Government's intrusive spying programs on ordinary citizens from people like Edward Snowden. So in an age were people's trust of the Government is hitting all time lows, is it appropriate to allow them easier access to our data? According to these companies it isn't; They even stated how there would be "unintended consequences". Reducing the security for the iPhone wouldn't just make it easier for our Government to hack our phones, but other individuals as well. This increases risking exposure of important data like finances and other personal data. Thats why I believe paying attention to this ongoing battle of encryption is important for the future of privacy for our generation and generations to come.
I also think that these tech companies are not going to let the government trample them like they did prior to the Snowden revelations. Remember that a gag order prevented these tech companies from knowing what others were being asked to do (though I'm sure they knew), and from speaking up about what the government was asking them to do. Now the tables are finally turning around. I doubt this "battle" is going to end soon, though.
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