[LAF] Problems with Computer Culture

[steve ash]

Okay made some time to read this. Some interesting points, though I can see counterpoints to most as usual.

For one I'm not too bothered about the government collecting info on me, why should I be? If I wanted to do something illegal I'd be silly to use the internet, or save the details as a file, face to face communication does that and in this case only the practicalities of the meetings are arranged online not the content, which can be easily disguised in prearranged ways (how elaborately depending on the degree of seriousness or paranoia). The social network profiling I think only works if u develop small select networks on Facebook say. Whereas for example I have over 600 'friends' on Facebook, including people from all political and cultural backgrounds (the only people I delete or reject are those found to be linked to far right groups, but even then I retain independents who might make extreme right statements occassionally) so this info would be fairly useless. I also put out a lot of 'noise' and false info, just to confuse any true info they might
 have, and my anarchist stuff is completely unconnected to my 'official identity' (Ash of course being by Nom de Guerre). All of which they could get round with a little effort of course, but they'd have to have a reason for even a little effort. There are of course also the more controversial methods of anonymity you list :)


As for them hiding info, that might be more of a problem, but the way they lose data I'm not too concerned (I don't think they always do it deliberately either, as some have claimed). And wouldn't electronic vote rigging be of great concern to rival Parties, who could hire their own expert investigators? 

I think there's a risk of expertise creating a hierarchy for sure, but isnt that the case for many industries and crafts, and wouldnt such specialisations balance out in the long run?