Friday 4 March 2016

Technology - curse or cure?

Anyone listening to the news today cannot have missed the news about Apple and how many other firms have backed them in their refusal to build in access to iPhones.  I don't pretend to be an expert but, as I understand it, iPhones will clear all data once the passcode has been tried 10 times.  The FBI have a phone belonging to a terrorist and they want Apple to help them access the information on that phone - which apple have done as far as they can.  But then the FBI want Apple to build in a "back door" so that they can access any phones in the future.  Apple, and others , argue that this would mean anyone can hack anyone's phone, which given the amount of information we store on a phone, could have a huge impact on the lives of innocent people.

All of this made me think about technology and the way that it has infiltrated our lives.  Today, for example, I phoned mum whilst driving the car (using hands free / Bluetooth technology) on my way to the hairdressers. (The hairdressers, by the way, had sent an automatic text message on Wednesday, reminding me of my appointment and asking me to confirm by text that I would be coming.)  Whilst at the hairdressers I was offered magazines but said no - I had my ipad after all. After walking from the hairdressers to the car - a matter of minutes - my phone pinged with a  satisfaction survey from the hairdressers - all automated of course.

Next up I wanted to investigate a couple of properties that my parents are interested in.  I checked them out on "right move" (on my phone)  before using the sat nav to find them and take a gander.

Then I went to Tesco's and shopped using the hand held scanner - useful to see the total and keep track - before then filling up with petrol using the "pay at pump" technology.  Once home I put the shopping away and then reconciled my own accounts before sorting out the end of the month church accounts - using excel spread sheets of course.  After that I checked my facebook messages (sewing buddy!!)  before using my phone to set the tv to record a programme that I had forgotten to set.

I guess, by now, you get my point.  Even my two sewing machines are computerised!  We may long for a simpler life but this technology has invaded our lives and if we are not careful will make us very vulnerable.  Do I sympathise with the need to collate as much information as possible from prospective terrorists - of course I do.  But I also understand the concerns of Apple and those other firms that have backed them.  I really hope that a solution can be found which makes us all sleep safely.

Have a great weekend - I've got some serious sewing to do! x

3 comments:

  1. Well that gave us a lot to think about!

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  2. Over here in the land of the free and home of the brave. (USA) It is in the news daily and gone over and over. My opinion is if a person puts information on their phone or out into the Internet there is a risk someone other than those intended will get it so I'll have to say I am in favor of Apple or what ever company helping law enforcement to access information.

    I also believe law enforcement and justice (courts) and tech. companies need to work out a system to "handle" this stuff so evil ones can't use laws to hide and continue to do evil

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    1. It's interesting to get another perspective on this Colleen. I must admit to assuming that these firms had some form of back door which they could use to help the law enforcement go about their jobs. I am sure that people cleverer than us can work out the best way to do this - well I sure hope that they can!

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