2-privacy.com

In the Sunday Times, Bryan Appleyard opined:

The simple ability to conceal one’s identity is the deep flaw in the arguments of all Web 2.0’s libertarian boosters.

All western — not just scientific — wisdom is based on identity. Advocates and their critics can be identified and their ideas formally tested.

In the end, Web 2.0 will only be good for us if, somehow, it succeeds in evolving towards an identity-based discourse

He’s entirely correct in saying that advocates and critics must be identified and their ideas formally tested. But, for me, it doesn’t follow to say that we must not conceal our indentities on the web. Rather, anonymity is required for us to maintain any semblance of privacy. (more…)

The internet is a wonderful thing, except for a few small details. When you register your first domain name, you get your introduction to one of them. There’s a lot of information they want. Your name, your email address, your physical address, your phone number. For each of 4 separate categories, and the Registrant, Admin and Technical categories are publicly available (for almost all TLDs - Top Level Domains, with the possible exception of .ws - Western Samoa).

Email addresses, which must be valid, phone numbers and physical addresses which also must be valid. I personally think it’s both absurd and dangerous to make this information so easily available. Once again the right to privacy of law-abiding individuals is being abridged supposedly to help catch lawbreakers. Since this information would be provided under a court order, making it publicly available just invites abuse. (more…)

With a click of the mouse shoppers can get their hands on groceries, books, cars and diamond rings. For the most part this availability is exciting and convenient. However, the downside to the online shopping industry is the potential for your private information to leak out into the wrong hands. Your credit card number, for example has the potential to reach the hand of an identity theft. So to be sure that you are protecting your privacy while still engaging in some leisurely afternoon shopping, here are some tips: (more…)