So argues the government of Egypt demanding Apple disable GPS on iPhones sold in that country. And here I was thinking the government was becoming more progressive as it tries to become an outsourcing hub for the Middle East.
Every time I bitch about government restrictions and anal policies in the US, I have to stop and ask - would I rather live in Egypt or Zimbabwe?
I think these kind of (restrictive) policies will be taken by almost all governments/countries going forward, given the fact that few misled people use these newer technologies for disruptive purposes. Take for example the recent attacks in Mumbai, where militants have used GPS phones, Google Earth and VoIP phones(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/world/asia/09mumbai.html?fta=y).
All the technologies have both good as well as bad effect on the society. It all depends on how and what for you use it.
Posted by: Ravindra | December 10, 2008 at 05:34 AM
Ravindra, but look at the audit trail most of these technologies leave. It is said the cell phone is the first thing law enforcement looks for these days at a crime scene. And look at the surveillance, jamming, sniffing and other technology available to governments. When things like this happen governments tend to curb civilian use of technologies, to mask their own failure to have used other technologies to offset the threat.
Vinnie
Posted by: | December 10, 2008 at 07:54 AM