The current state of global affairs and attitude towards them is oftentimes collectively labelled under the term – State of Fear (thank you Mr. Crichton). I agree with the term and with what it reflects, but in a limited capability – as with most terms procured by the media, this one too suffers from the same sin – exaggeration and lack of knowledge.

At least this is what I thought till yesterday. Today, as I opened up a list of my favorite RSS newsfeeds, I stumbled upon this evil. Proliferation of personal data through various levels of government has always been my pet peeve, not because I care that much about privacy on the principle, but because I care enormously about being able to exercise control over how that information spreads. In the case of entering the U.S. it has become painstakingly clear that they really want to know everything and more.

My question is why? This feels like almost pure intimidation. They have the NSA, Homeland Security and a vast array of other agencies which amass terabytes of data a week about literally anything and anyone. And as much as I may mind, I at least feel that the data is somewhat secure. However, airlines often send their documents simply via FedEx, or as unsecured e-mail attachments. That makes me twitch nervously, even more so since in my line of work I oftentimes see these secure corporate networks where entry-level administrative staff has some odd “smileys” for MSN, or some no-name toolbar for IE installed and freely exchanging information with some individual bent on causing havoc or at best, a marketing company.

So, while the U.S. might want to continue pushing for more personal traveller data to be divulged to them under the pretense of counter-terrorism, I’m quite happy that we have our metastate in the person of EU, ready to cry “nay”. There is no direct proportionality about the collection of personal information and the success rate of counter-terrorism. There is, on the other hand, a direct link between information and power. To summarize then, I do not feel confident about allowing random bodies of questionable authority collect personal information about me where the entire process may be flawed to start with, and where the only given is that an already existing state gets to become even more powerful.

You say State of Fear and I nod, fearing that people simply do not understand what it is thay they should really fear…