Conspiracy Theory

I am not a conspiracy theorist.

I feel compelled to say this upfront, only because of the nature of this topic, and the (at least cursory) proximity it may have to areas of discussion that can certainly delve into conspiracy.

By way of background (we all bring some context into a discussion), I am a technology professional, having spent nearly 20 years in the software and mobile technology field.  I have worked both in industry and in the government (both at the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense.)  I have a Ph.D. in Particle Physics from U.C. Berkeley and began my career as a research scientist.

Do I think there is a "conspiracy" happening in regards to digital privacy?  To be honest, I don't think this question really has much merit.  Maybe it is just that the word itself is too politically loaded.  Do I think there is some backroom somewhere in Washington where power players rub there hands together and laugh diabolically about the systematic stripping of personal rights?  No, probably not.  But what I do think is that market forces (and by "market" I include government interests) have created an environment in which effectively at least the outcome is the same.  These rights are in serious jeopardy and long lasting steps are being taken.

Keeping Private Things Private

There is a war going on.

 Although it is not getting a lot of attention in the press or by the American public, this war can and will have long lasting implications in regards to personal privacy and personal freedom.

The stakes are no less than the ability of individuals to communicate securely and privately in the digital age.

The means to communicate privately over the Internet exist today and have existed for decades.  In fact, the tools necessary to communicate privately existed well before the emergence of the Internet, and by the very nature of the architecture of the Internet, these tools can and have been seamlessly extended to Internet services.

Unfortunately, the existence of the technical means to do something does not necessarily translate to access or availability of these technical means.  In fact, there is now a systematic, comprehensive program to eradicate access to these means.  The US government and other powerful business interests are actively taking steps to intercede in this access in the name of national security and the protection of intellectual property rights.

The ability to communicate freely and privately is a cornerstone of a healthy Democracy.  In posts to follow I hope to explore more closely the steps being taken to take away these rights in the digital age, and what the American people can do to help preserve these rights.