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The market has come up with a great solution to some trust problems, like Underwriter's Laboratory. A group of experts certify any device that will have their s
by wonder_er 10y ago
The market has come up with a great solution to some trust problems, like Underwriter's Laboratory. A group of experts certify any device that will have their stamp of approval.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization)
There could be an identical service for privacy/internet tech. There isn't, but I'd trust an "Internet Underwriter Laboratory" group way, WAY more than a group of politicians.
- slg 10y agoWhich is a regulatory solution. I don't know the specific history of UL, but the most common way these type of agencies are created is by the government or from within the industry out of fear of government regulation.
- wonder_er 10y agoRead over UL's history [0]. It was started by a private individual, and is a for-profit company with huge reach and sets safety standards for devices in many, many industries. So, while I can't speak to how these things _normally_ come about, this is a compelling example of self-regulation entirely outside of the scope of the government. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization)#History https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization)#Histo...
- DrScump 10y agoIt still depends on vigilance on the part of the consumer. Lots of hoverboards bore fake UL stamps when UL hadn't certified any hoverboards.