User Data ManifestoGoing a step further, Karlitschek has proposed what he is calling the “User Data Manifesto,” which outlines the characteristics that should apply to user data. “If I take a photo, it should be my photo,” Karlitschek said. The full User Data Manifesto includes eight key points:1. Own the data
The data that someone directly or indirectly creates belongs to the person who created it.2.Know where the data is stored
Everybody should be able to know where their personal data is physically stored, for how long, on which server, in what country and what laws apply.3. Choose the storage location
Everybody should always be able to migrate their personal data to a different provider, server or their own machine at any time without being locked in to a specific vendor.4. Control access
Everybody should be able to know, choose and control who has access to their own data to see or modify it.5. Choose the conditions
If someone chooses to share their own data, then the owner of the data selects the sharing license and conditions.6. Invulnerability of data
Everybody should be able to protect their own data against surveillance and to federate their own data for backups to prevent data loss or for any other reason.7. Use it optimally
Everybody should be able to access and use their own data at all times with any device they choose and in the most convenient and easiest way for them.8. Server software transparency
Server software should be free and open-source software so that the source code of the software can be inspected to confirm that it works as specified.
The Comment I Tried to Post on eWeek
Good stuff! I heartily support the Manifesto.
The NSA’s recent crackdown on itself makes it clear that it has no intention of scaling back its operations. It also clearly will continue to ignore and even flout its overseers and regulators. Thus, the FISA court is irrelevant and just a distraction.
President Obama has offered to make us “feel more comfortable” about the NSA’s total surveillance state. Another NOOP.
For those of use who would like to regain things like Democracy, Capitalism, and Justice (as in the system that allows for a defense)… and we must realize that these things can no longer exist thanks to the NSA… the only thing that will bring change is what most Americans loathe: taking action.
The Government is big, and it may appear resistance is futile, but there are those who have resisted, and they live. We outnumber those trying to saddle us with this total surveillance state. Take heart. Have no fear. Resist. Take action.
– Rex (w/ tip o’ the hat to “We Are Hugh”)