Reflections, Amsterdam.
Thanks to the internet, privacy as we once knew it, is virtually unrecognisable. Yes, we choose whether or not to make certain information available to the public, as evidenced in our websites, blogs, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Sometimes such transparency produces undesirable results, i.e. unwelcome contacts from disgruntled strangers or political extremists.
At what point does public knowledge go too far? There's the obvious example of the National Security Agency illegally eavesdropping on our telephone conversations and email, thanks to the Bush administration. Their so-called "war on terror" apparently took precedence over civil liberties and human rights. And government and FISA actions are the subject of ongoing civil lawsuits.
Locational privacy
Then there's locational privacy, which the Electronic Frontier Foundation defines as "the ability of an individual to move in public space with the expectation that under normal circumstances their location will not be systematically and secretly recorded for later use."
It's Catch 22 when every time we use a monthly transit pass, a bank card, a credit card, a mobile phone or even Wi Fi, our location is recorded and retained - not always by those with the best intentions.
Of course there's also data retention privacy and the trail we leave behind as we traverse the digital highway. Read the EFF's report on locational privacy and innovations that may affect us.
Burning Man stakes a claim
If you're planning to attend the Burning Man festival Sept. 27 - Oct. 5 in Black Rock City, Nevada, photographers beware: Burning Man organisers claim rights to your photos and creative works. Read their excessive Terms and Conditions for details.
And check out Snatching Rights on the Playa for information about Burning Man's policies and your legal rights.
Amazing photographs. Thanks for sharing the articles as well.
Posted by: Se'Lah | 19 August 2009 at 13:25
Excellent points to make, Tara. Scary, but excellent.
Posted by: jeanie | 18 August 2009 at 18:13
Wow, are things ever becoming Orwellian. Once upon a time, creative people were told not to trust 'the Establishment' - now, it seems you can't trust fellow creatives either? and what you create may not be your own, no matter where you go...How truly disturbing!
Posted by: tinker | 18 August 2009 at 17:32
What amazing images. I really am enamoured of them.
Posted by: Relyn | 18 August 2009 at 14:00
What a fun time Burning Man would be! Provided I had clean, comfortable accomodations. My bohemian 20-something self of yore could have slept in a camper van if need be back in the day, but I do love my comfy bed these days!
Do they allow day trippers? Ha ha!!!
It is too bad that intellectual property such a photographs can become someone else's property...I find that strange and very disturbing. You mean what "I see" is no longer mine?
Weird.
Love to you on this weird Monday I'm having. (Red juice on the rug, dropping thle dinner all over the floor, tripping over my own two feet...shall I go on? LOL!!!!)
xoxoxox
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 18 August 2009 at 03:47
I read every word placed here. And I intend to visit these sites. I just have to say that these photographs, are brilliant! I mean they grab my attention. The reflection and the graphics? These are for real!
: )
Posted by: Christina | 18 August 2009 at 01:23
Gorgeous photos! I especially like the second one, where you can't tell what's being reflected on the glass.
Posted by: Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz | 18 August 2009 at 00:01
Thanks for the info. My web designer always goes to Burning Man, I will pass this info. onto her.
Posted by: Marilyn | 17 August 2009 at 23:13
More and more , it feels as if there's NO where to hide.
I especially deplore the fact that my location and movements
can easily be tracked ... . . along with my personal preferences, down to the
food I purchase!
Is privacy the Last Luxury?? Is it available to anyone at any price? ??
JJjjj
Posted by: judith | 17 August 2009 at 21:22
It may not be as attention grabbing as our legal privacy rights Tara,
but some time ago I became very apprehensive after a stalker was not
out to collect my electronic contact information,
but actually started to harass me in real life.
Although the issue resolved itself fast, it caused a lot of social damage
and made me very weary about the sense of online security
I experienced before.
Posted by: Peter | 17 August 2009 at 20:39
Informative articles--- albeit hard to get one's head around the many implications.
Posted by: Helen | 17 August 2009 at 19:47