Here is an interesting take on security, specifically biometrics and monitoring.  Over the past 10 years, we have seen a dramatic change in how we look at privacy.  Back then, privacy really meant that sensitive information was kept to one’s self.  But now, it seems that more and more people are willing to just give away their private information (to an extent).  A perfect example of this is in social networks.  With these new security technologies emerging, it almost seems as if people are adapting to the technology when it should be that the technology should adapt to the people

Biometric technologies and plans for increased surveillance are jeopardising society’s right to liberty and privacy, David Murakami Wood, managing editor of Surveillance & Society, said at the Biometrics 2007 conference last week.

Biometric technologies are increasingly emerging into society. They were initially used in airports but are now becoming commonplace in schools, bars and elsewhere, he said.

“Now we are looking at mobile cameras, micro cameras, chips, and smart dust. How can you regulate this, and where does it stop?” he said.

“These technologies should enable people,” he argued, not deny them of their fundamental right to privacy. “The idea that people should fit into the technology and behave to suit that technology has emerged. This is wrong. It should be the other way round.”

Military ideas are creeping into civilian society, said Wood, describing “a society where security trumps civilian liberties”, and privacy becomes secondary.

“Britain has witnessed the implementation of incompetent surveillance systems, and trust has been lost. How do we regain that trust in the performance of technology?” At the moment, Wood says, “The state sees the right to acquire our data as paramount.”

He listed charges and imprisonment for ID card non-compliance as an example. “It’s our personal data”, he argued. “Shouldn’t the government pay to acquire our data?”[more]

Tags: Computer Protection, Privacy