Folks, Face Reality: 'Big Data' is here to stay

PEN, ProPublica- I love y'all. But how can we lash the US government for tracking info and data on phone calls that can be used as a source for fighting the very real threat of terrorism, while it is ok for private corporations who virtually  act beyond the restrictions or knowledge of the citizenry when they not only track but "monetize" their collection and use of this data (I.e., surveillance). I think the government is struggling to provide security. While we have had smaller, localized lone wolf terror attacks I think the real fear is a catastrophic one that dwarfs 9/11 or series of attacks in different locations in close time proximity that cause large numbers of fatalities and panic. 

But beyond that I think there is a knee jerk denial that we are in fact living in a security state, if not yet a military one. But even more so we are living in a surveillance state where we surrender our privacy to glitzy social media and carry devices that now or will allow every step, every purchase, every communique to be tracked and warehoused. The toothpaste is in fact out of the tube. The era of Big Data, warehoused and tracked and processed infirmation abiut our digital (and actual) lives is here. We are living in a digital world. Either digital communications and Internet access can either be restricted as it is in some countries or allowed virtually free reign as it is in the US. But if these same technologies are used for dangerous, hostile or terroristic ends, the government has the right -- the obligation -- to study this information to protect society. Communications cannot be completely free. In the US they are used largely for commercial ends. They must be used to ensure public safety as well. There are costs and risks to both. 

--Anthony Napoli

Deep in the Heart of Brooklyn