US Spy Programs May Break the Internet if Not Reformed, Google Leader Says

[unhappycamper]

http://www.wired.com/2014/10/us-spy-programs-may-break-internet-reformed-google-leader-says/

US Spy Programs May Break the Internet if Not Reformed, Google Leader Says
By Kim Zetter
10.08.14 | 8:58 pm

PALO ALTO — You own your data. And the government needs to start respecting that.

This was the assertion made today by Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith at a Silicon Valley panel discussion on NSA surveillance. Until the US recognizes and restores the fundamental right of ownership you have in your data, he continued, the U.S. cannot hope to rebuild trust lost through the NSA’s widespread surveillance programs.

This stance flies in the face of what we expect from internet companies these days, many of whom tend to act as if they own the content we create.

“If you’re a consumer or a company, you own your email, your text messages, your photos and all the content that you create,” he said. “Even when you put your content in our data centers or on devices that we make, you still own it and you are entitled to the legal protection under our Constitution and our laws. We will not rebuild trust until our government recognizes that fundamental principle.”

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Sounds so damn common sense, doesn't it?

And I note he is saying flat out that the Gov. is violating the Constitution.