Posted on 12/02/2001 8:27:21 PM PST by BERZERKER
Definitely cause for concern.
But this is not a problem specific to Magic Lantern; it's a problem specific to a frightened Bush Administration which has elected to take as many pages as it can from the Stalinist playbook to keep us safe from bad men who sneak about in the shadows and use violence, deception and coercion against us.Those Brits...I wouldn't worry too much about keyloggers. I'd worry a good deal more about the sudden, dramatic erosion of laws protecting us from their misuse by zealous, terrified Feds.
I agree, terrorism from many insane Arabs is our number one threat. Then China, then North Korea.
gold, Barnes and Nobles just left a message on my recorder - that they have now received their 2nd allotment of Barbara Olson's book (they sold out their initial supply before I got there - I'll pick up my today)
The 863 Project was initiated in March 1986 as Chinas response to the Reagan Administrations Strategic Defense Initiative/"Star Wars." (32) The 863 concentrates government investment in seven distinct areas, including information technology, which have military and state security applications...Jean Chrétien announced that Nortel Networks and Tsinghua would establish a joint research laboratory. (37) A primary goal of the research laboratory was to accelerate the development of networking expertise in China.
Again, we are shown that China is happy to use the new technologies for dual/triple purposes. Attempting to "make the world a better place" over there can quickly backfire, if you're not careful enough. Most of the stuff discussed really has triple applications. The IT resources they have can be used for civilian, security (anti-dissident), and military (voice recognition, command & control, more effective surveillance/eavesdropping, and network tampering/cyber warfare). I am sure the surveillance systems developed by Nortel etc. will also find their way into the hands of ChiCom operatives/agents and embassies in the US and abroad.
Regional centres for Internet security under the control of the MPS, dedicated to maintaining such URL lists, are springing up throughout China
This is total speculation but such a move may have two purposes. One, is to conduct more effective detailed surveillance. Second, may be to spead out the network so that if it was attacked several sites would have to be 'taken out' rather than focusing one or a couple of central localities. network of UK manufactured surveillance cameras, designed to monitor traffic flows and regulate congestion. These cameras recorded everything that transpired in the months leading up to the tanks rolling into the square. In the days that followed, these images were repeatedly broadcast over Chinese state television. Virtually all the transgressors were identified in this way... The dynamics of this process: continuously upgrading technology and incorporating functions unintended by the design.
Manufacturers have seen a history of the ChiCom's 'misusing' the technology, yet they continue to "make the world a better place" for the average Chinese. I would prefer that they don't bother trying to make my world a better place. If the 'proximity id card' scam is ever set-up where I live, I think I will become absent minded and seem to loose a lot of cards.
On a semi-humorous note, this media video conferencing service didn't go very far during APEC. The Chicoms shut it down twice during the meetings (it was only really operational during the time Bush attended APEC)! Here are some of the headlines during the APEC meetings (from ChiCom Watch's October archive):
China Reimposes Media Internet Blocks (after Bush left).
Beijing shuts popular media Internet forum (befor Bush arrived).
Sorry I couldn't link to them; Yahoo/Reuters/AFP has taken the stories down now. Apparently, they didn't really like the thought of not censoring the press but wanted to cast a good image for President Bush. Then again, they may have also been demonstrating who really had controll of the situation and the media...LOL!
Barbara may be gone but her book will expose the truth on the Clintons to those who seek it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.