In United Kingdom, The Communications Data Bill (2008) is going lead to the creation of a single, centralized database containing records of all e-mails sent, websites visited and mobile phones used by UK citizens. The bill and the idea are not new. It has been done, covertly and openly, in the name of ‘homeland security’ and ‘Patriot Acts’ in several other countries, e.g., China, United States. Picture the following dialog between two individuals:
BBG: We need to reduce our expectation of privacy and accept the boundless mass surveillance in order to maintain homeland security.
NAA: I reject this position. The resulting lack of privacy and confidentiality is putting at risk the freedom of confession, the freedom of speech as well as the work of doctors, helplines, lawyers and journalists.
[BBG: 'Big Brother' Government. NAA: New Age Activist]
The debate, personal privacy and freedom vs. homeland security, heated after the Information Revolution. In this context, my friend asked me whether we are slowly changing into an Orwellian society (Ref. ‘1984‘ by George Orwell). Before expressing my views, I want to know the readers’ opinion on this. So here is a quick poll:
