Control over the Internet by Claudia Sonea

How much control should the governments have upon the Internet? It is a tough question to answer as the Internet itself implies an invasion of ones private life. Through social networks or forums you are practically exposed to attacks and your privacy is compromised. Yet, there are even worst things like hackers taking control over a nuclear plant or over mass destruction weapons and then selling them to the highest bidder or actually use them. There should be someone able to stop them, but who and how? In US these questions generated an extended debate as the White House proposes a kill switch of the Internet that gives federal ! authorities the power to protect the country in case of a massive attack. If you are thinking that on September 11 the President had the power to order planes to land, thus preventing bigger tragedies from taking place, then the switch is a good idea. But wouldn’t be simpler just to have a kill switch for the electric power? It would disconnect all in a second without any other implications regarding ones privacy. Whereas the federal agencies and their networks, they should invest in better software programs, in campaigns that focus on public awareness and technical education. Americans are outraged that the government is taking over the Internet especially through the last bill that gives the president extended powers. However, it is in their interest as the government wants only to protect them. Most probably governments have the power to kill the Internet or get into ones computer, but only US is making it official. I! s the shutdown a solution? The answer is no, because it is onl! y a shor t term measure and then a solution must be found for when the Internet is switched on. All the commotion stirred by the issue is pointless and only distracts from the fact that there is no valid solution.

related story (sgx15480): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090927/ap_on_go_ot/us_securing_...

by Claudia Sonea for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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