Back in 1999 I wrote an article on the concept of Big Brother being on the Internet. With all the concerns of computer security, hackers, and perverts we all had better start watching over our shoulders. Orwell was right, we could (probably are) be watched. And this medium of computers is the tool for his doing it.
I had a lot of requests for reprints of this article, so if you are interested you can click here to go to the original article. I am expanding this concept and clearing a number of facts up here as well. So, read on if you dare!
In the previous article I got into a lot of trouble with folks, who did not read the whole thing, for comparing Bill Gates to Adolph Hitler. For that I apologize as the comparison I made could easily be mis-interpreted. What I really meant was that if Hitler had the access to information that Microsoft has the outcome of the war could indeed have been different.
Let's start by looking at that comparison in depth though. World War Two (and any other one for the fact) relied on information. It started with spies listening to conversations and ultimately led to the interception and deciphering of radio and telephone messages. Now we have progressed to computer communication, an infinitely more widespread use of technology. In fact everyone uses it! There is not one single fact on anyone or anything that is not on some computer somewhere. Scary as it may sound it is true...
We had better start taking that fact seriously. From the minute you are born till long past your death you are or will be in some computer somewhere. And information is being gathered on you constantly. On top of that, since the internet, computers are now capable of talking to each other and exchanging information. When you make a bank payment to a creditor how do you think that information gets from your bank to there? On payday, how does the pay information get into your account? Have you thought for one minute that some person makes a phone call on your behalf?
Now the minor point of computer security (hackers, fraud, etc)...
We all like to assume that folks are taking good care of the information they are gathering. Well, you are bloody wrong on that one! It is impossible to keep fingers out of computer files. In the old days bank accounts were constantly being raided by hackers. In order to keep the fact quiet when they caught em, usually by accident, they were often put back to work by the banks to develop programs to keep others out of the system. In fact hackers are often hired by computer owners to develop new security systems. There is a big convention every year for hackers, and the CIA and others are invited to visit (and hire) the participants. Hacking is a real main stream occupation. It is only the "fringe amateurs" that we even hear about. Now if the CIA hires em, what keeps other Third World powers from doing the same thing.
Here is a small example for your consideration...
I happen to own a few firearms. And as such I am entirely in favour of registration of gun owners (I have been registered for years). But, I am totally against the registration of firearms. Why you ask? Well, one of the things I am trying to make clear in this article is that any information out there can be accessed. Legally or otherwise. Suppose I want to raid the USA. Well, how do I get guns to fight with? Simple, hack into the government gun registration files and go knocking on doors. If some fellow in a black outfit and a mask shows up an my door and demands that I give him my "Registered, Legal, Firearms" I am bloody well going to give em to him!
Did you know that in New Zealand you don't have to file income tax? Not that you don't pay it, the taxes are just done on you behalf from information gathered. Do you like the thought that the government has access directly to your bank or employer? Well, chum, it has already happened. Here is a little story for your consideration...
I will start with the little record on us called our "Social Insurance Number". The number everyone asks us for now. As an aside, are you aware that the government wants to scrap the number as there are possibly more numbers in circulation than there are people? But, I digress. I went to the local credit union recently to set up a joint account with the wife. The first thing they wanted was my social insurance number. Rather than just comply and blindly give it to em I asked why. I was informed that the government now insists that all account holder's social insurance numbers be reported, along with any information regarding income from share accounts, etc. Why???? I presume so that they can tell if you are not declaring any income. As an aside I was also told that they would check my "credit rating" to assure that I was a "suitable client". I suggest strongly that you ask your friendly banker the next time you are there just what information they are gathering and sharing on you. And, as a further update... Due to the fact my mother is getting along age (almost 90) I had to go to the same credit union for her. Lots of the same crap about SIN, but eventually they caved in and let me do what I had to. But, then they presented me with a paper full of "fine print" to sign. Well, the gist of it is that I promised not to conduct any illegal business with any credit union bank accounts. I felt like the next thing they would want is me to promise not to keep any money in the place at all. Naturally I promised not to do anything illegal (yup, I also promise not to speed or break any laws with my motor scooter either...).
In British Columbia we have just been blessed with a marvelous new medical record computer system. All your drug prescriptions, medical records and tests and all are on the system. But, can you tell me why an X-Ray technician in Mill Bay needs to know if you are a landed immigrant or a Canadian Citizen. I kid you not, that simple little fact is there. I wonder what else is being made available to everyone through this system?
Recently a computer was stolen from an insurance agency. Guess what was in there? Everyone's credit card information. Think about it, you allow someone to debit your bank account or a credit card, where is the record kept. In a computer under someone's desk somewhere! Someone hacks the computer or just simply walks off with it, what happens to your records? Well, it happened, the crooks had hundreds of credit cards and bank records to clean out. Just think about it next time you hand over credit card or bank information!
Another item that just got run up the flagpole up the other day is a universal identification card. Complete with finger print, photo and maybe a micro disk type record. Well, if you need to have that kind of ID when you are out and about get a passport! The only time we need that much ID, with all the other information they have on us, is when we travel to Third World countries (and are they the ones that care?).
But, back to the big picture of Big Brother...
Consider the widespread use of Windows. Everyone uses it in some form, even the CIA and the Government! Now just suppose that right from the beginning Microsoft had access to the system in your computer (called a "Back Door" in computer circles). And assume that knowledge of this was being made available to information gatherers (honest and otherwise). As a further aside, perhaps that might explain the huge profits that Microsoft has made, and why the US govt. is so scared of them. If there is the slightest possibility of this it is now too late to consider computer security! Microsoft made a big thing about Windows 2000 (and later) having improved security features. Why, were there really problems in the early versions (grin)? Sort of like passing gas in a crowded elevator isn't it. If you are the guilty one start sniffing the air loudly and everyone will know you are not the culprit won't they!
I don't know about you, but I am scared shitless of where this is all leading (scaring myself to death right now as a matter of fact).
Now, at this time I have to emphasize that I am not some raving looney (well, maybe I am). I have spent all of my life in electronics. Built my first computer in the mid 60's. Have worked on all sorts of installations. Am the co-developer of the first Image Processing system used in the Law Enforcement system (I have a commendation letter from the Sheriff of L.A., Sherman Block). So, I do consider myself a credible source. And as I mentioned earlier, I am scared silly about the direction we are taking. We all have something to hide (come on be honest now). And now anyone and everyone has the potential of know everything about all of us. Right down to if we were breast fed as children (in a doctor's files) to our cause of death (and beyond if we consider that the municipality even knows were we are buried). And every single thing we have done between is an a computer file somewhere...
It is too late to hide. What we now need is to be informed. That is why I am writing this article. You are welcome to copy this if you feel like "spreading the word". And I am not at all afraid if you want to mention your source...