Right of privacy – Technology

The other day, I made a tentative appointment with someone. The next thing I know there is a link in my Outlook with the date, etc. I didn’t insert it. The other person did and it was emailed to me and automatically inserted into my system.

This is the most egregious invasion of privacy on my computer that I have experienced. This “hacking” is far more subtle and violative of my personal boundaries than any spam or virus I’ve ever received. Microsoft seems to think that this is a good use of technology and a time saver … but, it is an intrusion into my system that I didn’t endorse nor want. On the other hand, it is a legitimate business contact and an appointment I want to keep.

Wired GC says: “With Google Maps and telephone number reverse lookups, we now know what Sun’s Scott McNealy meant when he said we have no privacy, get over it.”

I guess I’m old-fashioned. I still believe in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, and the right to be protected against the invasion of my privacy without my consent … traits that made this country different from others. As one said many years ago, your freedom stops where my nose begins! Or am I being too sensitive? Has technology now given us the tools to cross the borders of the Bill of Rights with no one to protest?

Categorized in: Technology