Apple, Google and other tech giants demand spying openness

[dipsydoodle]

Source: BBC News

Apple, Google and dozens of other technology companies have urged US authorities to let them divulge more details about security requests.

The companies want to be able to report regular statistics about the nature and scope of what data is being asked for.

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Authorities are said to be considering the companies' request.

"We just want to make sure we do it right," said Gen Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23374867

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Why does Keith Alexander still have his job?

If for no other reason than Snowden being allowed to steal a ton of secret info that Alexander himself claims is of vital national security interest, Alexander should be fired.

[groundloop]

2. This seems kind of strange, considering all the spying google does on us

I guess it's different when spying is done in the name of corporate profits.

[kirby]

8. There is no Constitution to protect us from that...

We really need more Privacy rights, but I fear it will not happen. Not only are todays younger people more compliant, but the corporate lobby is too strong to pass a meaning privacy bill.

[hobbit709]

3. Google complaining about spying?

[Kelvin Mace]

6. Well, the aren't getting paid for it

unless the NSA clicks on the ad links.

[KurtNYC]

7. this is hurting them especially in foreign markets

and it's a legal issue in countries around the world. If you represent your service as private, Gmail for example, and it ISN'T then you are lying to your customers and since proprietary and other IP property is being transmitted through their system there are all kinds of potential problems.

The Eu has fined Microsoft for various violations of their laws. Here is one for $7 billion. Serious money and bigger than that would be if they just don't get to have presence in the EU:

http://gigaom.com/2012/07/17/microsoft-faces-7bn-fine-for-violating-eu-deal/

As I understand it, Google is not complaining about spying but rather the gag order that keeps them from disclosing any details of their participation. Simultaneously the government makes them issue inaccurate privacy disclosures to all users:

http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/

Btw, MS and Google together lost $30 bil in stock value last night:

http://business.time.com/2013/07/19/google-microsoft-earn-bronx-cheers-from-wall-street-after-earnings-stumbles/

[AllyCat]

4. Apple. So is this for people who use their browser?

I only use an iPod, but just wondering what they can get from people. If you use iTunes...are they getting stuff from your computer because you have that program loaded?

Information needed. I don't understand this stuff very well. Thanks for the info!

[TM99]

10. Some questions then.

Do you have an Apple ID? Have you provided credit card information and set up your security questions? Do you purchase music, movies, TV shows, and books through iTunes Store? Do you use Coverflow and allow Apple to know what music and media you have on your system in order to provide tagging and artwork?

If you answered yes to several of these, then yes, Apple has collected enough information to begin a nice little profile of you - your likes and dislikes, your reading choices, your viewing patterns, etc.

[AllyCat]

11. That's what I figured. How does one buy and

Download music without it? Answer is to buy music with cash at the local cd store (if you still happen to have one) and cart a bunch of discs every where. Sigh.

[TM99]

12. There are fewers options yes

but there are still options.

I have an extensive CD, LP, and cassette tape collection. I have converted them all quite easily to flac and mp3 for playback on my iPod and stereo.

It is hard these days to buy things without leaving a trail. I still buy CD's and books via Amazon. I do make a point of not having a profile there, don't accept 3rd party marketing, and never leave reviews.

I use DuckDuckGo as my default search engine. I use a variety of cookie and tracking blockers including Flashblock, Adblock, Ghostery, Disconnect, and NoScript. When I use Google products, I use only one browser, never stayed logged in, and block all web integration that I can.

I don't have a Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or other social networking profile. I maintain my anonymity as much as possible. In the end, what is most frustrating about the NSA revelations is that even if I want to remain private, that very act has likely caused enough suspicion to have what is out there about me profiled.

I mean, come on, I must have something to hide if I don't have a Twitter or Facebook account, right?

[TriplD]

5. Companies and people will look for alternatives to American products

if Obama doesn't lift this gag order soon.