Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Moore's Law and Google a Faustian Bargain?

Take a look at the latest from Google's CEO Eric Schmidt and think about the Faustian Bargain in what he is saying. At one point Eric says, “The goal is to enable Google users to be able to ask the question such as ‘What shall I do tomorrow?’ and ‘What job shall I take?’ ”

Hugh? Did I read this correctly? Are we all comfortable with Google (or anyone) knowing that much about us? Will the automation of the collection of little bits of information about us (our digital trail) ultimately result in the end of privacy? If Google will know that much about us, what else will be out there about us, and who will have access to it.? Two good reads about this topic are:

Short one: Gary Marx's Privacy and Technology.

Long one: David Brin's book The Transparent Society.

My point for thought in today's post is how does the idea of the 32nd square play into this fear/reality?

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