For most of us, there is no greater pain than the loss of a loved one. Fortunately, psychologists assure us that the pain decreases over time. But, what about the loss of a right? Felons tell us that losing the right to vote, for example, is always an annoyance. The elderly tell us that losing the right to drive is an annoyance.
However, since losing our right to privacy, my annoyance has morphed and now grown into resentment. Young people certainly don't agree with me, and most don't even understand the question. After all, they get to see advertisements more relevant to their interests. And, does it really matter anyway . . . if Google knows what temperature you prefer on the thermostat? Does it matter that Google can track your movements during the day? Would it matter if the Federal government was tracking you instead? Why, what's the difference?
So, I was both surprised and delighted yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled that police may not search your telephone without a search warrant! While I am not worried the police will ever find anything remotely interesting in my cell phone, it was a reminder that there is still some tiny privacy somewhere. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court ruling did not apply to Google.
However, since losing our right to privacy, my annoyance has morphed and now grown into resentment. Young people certainly don't agree with me, and most don't even understand the question. After all, they get to see advertisements more relevant to their interests. And, does it really matter anyway . . . if Google knows what temperature you prefer on the thermostat? Does it matter that Google can track your movements during the day? Would it matter if the Federal government was tracking you instead? Why, what's the difference?
So, I was both surprised and delighted yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled that police may not search your telephone without a search warrant! While I am not worried the police will ever find anything remotely interesting in my cell phone, it was a reminder that there is still some tiny privacy somewhere. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court ruling did not apply to Google.
