Your data in their hands: big data, mass surveillance and privacy. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ring, Tim
• Is Part Of: Computer fraud & security. Number 8(2016)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Computer crimes -- Periodicals; Computers -- Access control -- Periodicals; 364.168
• DOI: 10.1016/S1361-3723(16)30061-6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1361-3723

Abstract

Abstract : The British public rarely gets to hear how its secret service agents protect them. But GCHQ recently revealed that since 2014 it has 'disrupted' seven terror attack plots and the activities of over 50 paedophiles. 1 Last year, MI5 detailed how attacks prevented in the past decade included 10 terrorists plotting to blow up multiple transatlantic airliners and nine others intent on attacking the Stock Exchange and other iconic targets in London. 2 And crucially, the agencies say, these successes were all helped by the bulk collection of electronic data. People want both protection from criminals and to preserve their own online privacy. And this is creating a state of tension between governments and tech firms. A compromise technical solution seems impossible. To safeguard user data, tech firms have been building unbreakable encryption into devices and services. Meanwhile, governments insist that tech companies should provide back doors. Tim Ring investigates whether there is any way to resolve this important conflict.