Thursday, January 26, 2006
The federal government’s getting interested in what you’re searching for on the Internet.
Last week, federal investigators tried to get Internet search records from Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and America Online to combat child pornography.
While Microsoft, Yahoo and America Online turned in the information, Google didn’t.
For refusing, the Justice Department is taking Google to court to try to get its search records.
Microsoft, Yahoo and America Online justified giving away their records because the records don’t have any ties to whoever searched them. No personal information was given with the information. At least not yet. The administration has been cavalier so far in gathering intelligence.
Google not surrendering its information lets the government know it’ll stand up for the privacy of its users.
This is certainly a message the federal government needs to hear from time to time.
No matter how you feel about the government’s request — or other intelligence gathering practices — if no one challenges the government, it will only grow bolder.
Critics have challenged President George Bush over his wiretapping of suspected Al Qaeda operatives’ calls to the United States. The criticism forced the administration to defend its actions, as it should do. Bush defended his actions in his speech in Manhattan.
This administration, concerned with intelligence about terrorism and pornography, should be working to protect the country from both threats.
But if no one takes the time to look at what the government is doing or to stand up and says no to a request, there is no incentive for the government to consider what it’s doing.
Google’s concerns about privacy and free speech are warranted, and so are the government’s concerns about terrorism and child pornography. If Google had acted as its rivals Microsoft, Yahoo and American Online did, who would be questioning the government’s request?
—John Jordan, for the editorial board
Google invades privacy too
Online privacy at-risk with pending legislation
A bill targeted to track child pornographers would store individuals’ information for ...
Google picks Kansas City for ultra-fast network
Google said its new broadband network will make Internet access 100 times ...
Lawrence looks to add Fiber to Internet ...
The city encourages residents to help in its bid to participate in ...
Lowell: How are borders drawn on the ...
The World Wide Web is redefining international threats to security.
Doing Without: Google
Absence makes the heart...?
Privacy matters
How your Facebook profile could hurt your job prospects.
Officials debate improving national wi-fi coverage
Politicians at the Democratic National Convention focus on broadband access Tuesday morning
University re-examines privacy policy
Following Jason Wren’s death, University considers allowing parents more access to student’s ...
Lawrence man indicted in child porn case
The 22-year-old will face charged June 10 for possession and purchase of ...
U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore speaks at Delta ...
The congressman discusses politics, the economy and the election at Delta Chi ...
Watson case did not qualify as indecent ...
Further information on public pornography case will be private.
KU will not forward letters from RIAA
The University is modifying its three-strikes policy for illegal download activity on ...
Students learn more about SOPA legislation during ...
Websites shut down Wednesday in protest, causing students to look elsewhere for ...
Facing the music
For 13 students sued by the music industry, the risks of illegal ...
University won't release names to recording industry
Spokesman says KU will not be third party in legal cases
Editorial: Policy infringes on student privacy
Proposed changes to the Department of Student Housing's policies could limit some ...
Blog: The End of the World?
Doing Without: Using Google
KU Hospital switches to electronic records
The University of Kansas Hospital is in the second stage of a ...
A question of identity
The Comanche Nation informed KU that a professor who claims he's Comanche ...
Welcome to the World of 'You'
Move over Facebook, step aside MySpace: a new online community called YouTube ...
Senators consider bill to lower tuition
University of Kansas could pay 5 percent of endowments
Editorial: Students pay for bank policies
Overdraft fees are too high.
Task force to work with administration on ...
The Student Rights’ Committee formed finalized a task force to investigate the ...
Lawrence is the center of the world ...
The Department of Defense heads to KU ...
Blogs are helping better inform people about the military
Wireless Internet hits residence halls
The first phase of Information Services’ plan to add wireless access to ...
Smart shopping
Tips on how to save money while surviving seasonal rushes and scams
Students can now get transcripts online
Registrar’s Office now allows for students to request and obtain their transcripts ...
Editorial: Campus Internet provider Apogee disappointing so ...
Students are complaining, and Internet accessibility is waning.
Sandal: Drone missions counter-productive in war on ...
Bombing Pakistan with unmanned drones exacerbates poverty, which leads to extremism.
Internet blackout protests legislation
Thousands of websites join together to fight potentially-restricting Internet bills.
Storm chasers
Allen Fieldhouse available anytime with online replica
Brian McClendon, KU alumnus, commissioned Google to create a 3-D version of ...
Online research methods may not be credible
Simply taking the first item on Google’s list may lead to misinformation ...
Cheating loves in the 21st century
A battle of lust, love and loyalty in defining cheating.
Editorial: Gmail’s features necessary for students’ needs
A new system would have to start by bringing back students who ...
What it's Like...
...to work at KU info
Bank regulations protect against overdraft
The new policies, which take effect this summer, will guard customers from ...
Montano: Google gives more options in music ...
The Android Market provides healthy competition with its services.
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Editorial: Government shouldn't keep watch on the Internet
I agree with John Jordan completely on this. The nature of accusations made against someone should not in any way allow circumvention of constitutional protections and human rights. Yet we increasingly see in the public sphere people/representatives making statements to the effect of "terrorists shouldn't get constitutional rights/protections". If we, as a people, allow government to get around our rights and protections with just an accusation and zero burden of proof, then we effectively have no protections at all.
Communications between people is not a threat to the safety and security of our nation and it should not be treated as such; it should be treated as the necessary cornerstone of a free society that it is (or should that be 'was'?).
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID