analogy with septic systems [LWN.net]

analogy with septic systems

Posted Oct 7, 2008 18:12 UTC (Tue) by JoeBuck (subscriber, #2330)
In reply to: Stallman vs. Clouds (Linux Journal) by drag
Parent article: Stallman vs. Clouds (Linux Journal)

Yes, it's true that most of us don't have our own septic tanks. But imagine if, instead of having the water system as a public utility, there were companies that would provide you with plumbing for free, but that they would run chemical analysis of what went down your toilet, and use the info to send you ads. They'd also retain the right to sell information about what's in your urine and feces to third parties, but would make vague promises to protect the privacy of individuals. And, of course they'd cooperate with any government that comes along trying to catch drug users or dissidents.

I'm sure that everyone would feel personally violated by such an invasion of privacy. But handing over you personal data to "the cloud"? Your financial information, your love letters? Shouldn't there be better protection for privacy than we have now?

To be fair, RMS would be better off discussing what a proper system would look like, instead of just saying no. But he's right to raise concerns.

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analogy with septic systems

Posted Oct 8, 2008 7:09 UTC (Wed) by dirtyepic (subscriber, #30178) [Link]

i imagine those of us with toddlers would get some very odd junk mail. :)

Uber-great analogy

Posted Oct 8, 2008 7:46 UTC (Wed) by khim (guest, #9252) [Link]

But imagine if, instead of having the water system as a public utility, there were companies that would provide you with plumbing for free, but that they would run chemical analysis of what went down your toilet, and use the info to send you ads.

Why this analogy is so great? It's easy: if you think about it Japan is half-way there. No, they are not sending an ads, they are sending fines if you dump something illegal (or just dump too much grease in water). But the idea has potential...

Your financial information, your love letters?

You financial information is already mostly "in the cloud" and was there for last 50 years or so. How may financial transactions you do without help of a bank? How many with help of a bank? If it's good enough for finances, why it's not good enough for your love letters?