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There's been an awful lot said about the philosophy of "freedom vs security" in these comments, but it seems to me that the disconnect tech people feel with law

There's been an awful lot said about the philosophy of "freedom vs security" in these comments, but it seems to me that the disconnect tech people feel with law enforcement is at least equally due to a technical gap. In the spirit of "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity," I'd imagine that if those making policy decisions understood exactly what it would take to make the internet completely or even significantly transparent to intelligence agencies they would be less comfortable leading the crusade against encryption in the name of combating terrorism and pedophilia.

Nursie 12y ago
Those making policy decisions will always listen to the spooks over the people and they have an interest in saying they were tough on terror/criminals/paedophiles/drugs/whatever so I reckon that's probably wishful thinking...
- allemagne 12y ago
  Paranoia is always influential, but it's not all-powerful and it's not valued over everything else like you imply. Reality, and education about that reality, is also very influential. That's not wishful thinking. Look at cannabis legalization and gay marriage.
  - Nursie 12y ago
    True, though cannabis is still illegal here, Gay marriage was suddenly and abruptly legalised here in the uk in a move that surprised and delighted me. Didn't think our politicians had it in them, so perhaps there is some decency and concern left.
JupiterMoon 12y ago
> "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity," Some might attribute that soundbite to malice rather than stupidity... They have a very clear idea what they want. They want central keyholding authorities with master keys that they can use... This could then be used to keep the banking system safe enough (NB safe enough rather than safe) whilst allowing no private communications.
- allemagne 12y ago
  It's a good point that this vision they have is specific and technical to some extent. But it's also not very well thought out from the perspective of an elected official and the general public (their bosses, even if we want to go all the way to the level of an inherent social contract).

Nursie 12y ago

Those making policy decisions will always listen to the spooks over the people and they have an interest in saying they were tough on terror/criminals/paedophiles/drugs/whatever so I reckon that's probably wishful thinking...

allemagne 12y ago
Paranoia is always influential, but it's not all-powerful and it's not valued over everything else like you imply. Reality, and education about that reality, is also very influential. That's not wishful thinking. Look at cannabis legalization and gay marriage.
- Nursie 12y ago
  True, though cannabis is still illegal here, Gay marriage was suddenly and abruptly legalised here in the uk in a move that surprised and delighted me. Didn't think our politicians had it in them, so perhaps there is some decency and concern left.

JupiterMoon 12y ago

> "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity," Some might attribute that soundbite to malice rather than stupidity... They have a very clear idea what they want. They want central keyholding authorities with master keys that they can use... This could then be used to keep the banking system safe enough (NB safe enough rather than safe) whilst allowing no private communications.

allemagne 12y ago
It's a good point that this vision they have is specific and technical to some extent. But it's also not very well thought out from the perspective of an elected official and the general public (their bosses, even if we want to go all the way to the level of an inherent social contract).