I would take this time and use this occasion to put forward some very valuable input on the impending discussion ondata protection at the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners.

Having read Google’s Global Privacy Counsel’s ‘The Need for Global Privacy Standards,’ I am somewhat compelled to shared my views on the position taken by the writer on the need for minimal global standards.

Not surprising this call comes from an employee of a multi-million dollar internet service provider where relaxed data protection standards would typically act in this company’s favour.
However, this approach, I find, only serves to act strictly in the interest of this company and not in the interest of the consumer.

I cannot but emphasise the hidden danger of information being secretly processed to the unawares of the individual to whom it belongs.There appears to be a considerable drive by those in industry to push for the development of technologies to bring about the even more endless intrusion into a person’ personal privacy. However, the motivational factor (s) behind this move is unclear at this stage.

I do consider that it is anirreducible fact that relaxed data protection laws would act strictly in favour of industry and to the detriment of the consumer. Af Federal Judge once stated that privacy once lost can never be recaptured, and this comment holds true to this very day.

I am tempted to state that this technological push for for further encroachments of privacy by industry may be seen as back door communism.

I would encourage the participants at this conference to take a look at the deeply troubling trend and the extent to which personal privacy has slowly but surely been eroded over the years.

Information oftentimes do not have tools to keep up with the ways in which data is secretly shared electronically.
Furthermore, a data subject is faced with an insurmountable task of accessing personal information that is secretly processed, because there are required to provide evidence to such processing.

Decisions taken at the conference will affect the liberty and freedom of future generations, who I fear who be secrely monitored, watched and harassed
without just cause by the powerful within society, who themselves would never receive the same level of scrutiny.

Please note: there are some typing errors within this message I was unable to rectify. I was unable to save a copy of it as well, and would pelase ask that one be directed to the e-mail address provided.

Glen Carter

Good posts so far too.