We Want Media

After talking a bit about Google and its battle with the U.S. government a week ago, it seems fitting to see something a bit related. Here we have a real life example of Yahoo aiding the Chinese government in the arrest of one of its users.

Unfortunately, to sign up for accounts online, Yahoo needs a bit personal information. Even more unfortunate is the fact that you never know when that info will be used. As Julia mentioned in a response to my blog post last week, Yahoo sends its data to the government. And in this case in China we know that at least enough info was sent to be able to track the individual down (which is basically big enough of a concern). Plus, as Joe's reply to my previous blog said, the internet is a very attractive place for law enforcement for the records they hold.

The laws that will come around on the privacy of the internet will be very important for the future of the medium. Its current untamed nature, near borderless potential and wildfire growth will not be ignored.