Posted on 02/17/2010 5:28:43 PM PST by CJBernard
The complaint, filed by minor high school student Blake Robbins and his parents, alleges that the school district has been spying on the activities of students and students’ families through the “indiscriminant use of and ability to remotely activate the webcams incorporated into each laptop issued to students,” all without the knowledge or consent of any of the students or parents involved.
How the capability was discovered should be enough to put any who value civil liberties and privacy on the edge of their seat. From the complaint (emphasis mine):
"On November 11, 2009, Plaintiffs were for the first time informed of the above-mentioned capability and practice by the School District when Lindy Matsko, an Assistant Principal at Harriton High School, informed minor Plaintiff that the School District was of the belief that minor Plaintiff was engaged in improper behavior in his home, and cited as evidence a photograph from the webcam embedded in minor Plaintiff’s personal laptop issued by the School District."
(Excerpt) Read more at americasright.com ...
I thought (of course) that my comparison was a relevant one. Pnh’s comment was that the parents shouldn’t complain about any nefarious activities the school district uses the “free” laptops for because the parents didn’t have to pay for them, and therefore must accept whatever the school district wants to do. Similarly, using the same warped logic, one could also say that a woman who accepts a free dinner from a man shouldn’t complain about, and should expect the man to therefore do whatever he wants with her as a result. It’s crazy, but it follows the same twisted logic that pnh applied.
Even if it is illegal, this is yet another example of government not giving a crap about the laws it imposes on us. The clear answer to this problem is to ban school districts from issuing laptops to students.
I agree. This is so over the line there needs to be an example made that won’t ever be forgotten.
Who else has been buying it.
How widespread is this>
They won't stop until they are FORCED to stop.
I think they might foul themselves when they get a DOJ letter informing them of the federal crime they committed.
Provided that AG Eric Holder thinks there is something here to prosecute.
True, but I don’t think even Holder is so stupid as to let this go.
Ping
The technology exists and IT WILL BE USED by government entities. That goes for all information gathering technology. We cannot prevent that. We can only keep it illegal to minimize the damage somewhat.
Eventually every computer you buy will have that feature. I will not buy any prebuilt system.That is not the reason but it guarantees that I will not get lazy.
Absolutely.I have long been convinced that sending one’s children to public school is ipso facto and prima facie child abuse. These cameras add a whole ‘nother dimension to that.
Another reason to homeschool. Gosh.
I used to be on their side, but this is just awful.
bump
gnip
Do any laptops have built in mics? I have one from my corp. that is laden with security features and I have wondered if that were possible.
I’d hate to have them hear me cussing up a storm about management.
Really there isn’t much that suprises me anymore but this is UNREAL!
Food for thought, isn’t it?
You might want to spread the word about this through the Catholic ping list.
I know it’s not a religious issue, but needs the visibility nevertheless.
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