Don't blame technology for privacy violations

NEWS Technology isn't to blame for erosion of personal privacy: it's the people using the technology and the policies carried out, according to security expert and journalist, Simson Garfinkel. In his book, 'Database Nation: the Death of Privacy in the 21st Century', just published in the UK, Garfinkel claims many people believe they have to relinquish some degree of privacy in order to enjoy the benefits of modern society. Garfinkel writes: "If we want the convenience of paying for a meal by credit card, or paying for a toll with an electronic tag mounted on our rear view mirror, then we must accept the routine collection of our purchases and driving habits in a large database over which we have no control. "I think this trade-off is both unnecessary and wrong." According to Garfinkel, the way to control the increasing erosion of personal freedom is not to impede the development of technology, but make a more informed choice about its use. "People create technology to fill specific needs - real or otherwise. And technology is regulated, or not, as people and society see fit." Starting tomorrow, Silicon.com will be serialising 'Database Nation; the Death of Privacy in the 21st Century' and giving away 25 free copies in our competition on Friday 11 February. Database Nation is available from all major bookshops now. For more information see http://www.oreilly.com .