death of the net

Recently there's been some kerfuffle about all apps on Macs phoning home and privacy concerns in general on Apple products. I haven't been tracking too closely to know if Apple's explanation and promise about not logging stuff, mostly using it as an anti-malware measure, satisfies those concerns.

It does remind me of the role of government in general. I value freedom but I'm no Libertarian, and I think one of the essential purposes of government is to stop exploitation of the weak by the more powerful. In some ways I do want a "bigger brother" because I more fear what groups at intermediate levels of power will do, especially with nothing like a ballot box to put them in check... More here.

Excellent article from Kirk.