Centralizing internet spying

This is EXACTLY the kind of thing I've been talking about re: public surveillance. Here's an interesting post:

'Bush: ISPs Must Help Government Spy On Internet Users' 

See the full article:

Bush Administration to Propose System for Monitoring Internet - December 20, 2002

Here's an excerpt: "...officials of Internet companies who have been briefed on the proposal say they worry that such a system could be used to cross the indistinct border between broad monitoring and wiretap."


Don't worry, kids - it's already happening...

ECHELON A multinational survellance network, centered at Sugar Grove, WV, that intercepts all forms of electronic communications.

CARNIVORE An FBI system to monitor email and other traffic through Internet service providers. (source)



Various websites, methods, and avenues for preserving online anonymity and privacy have been shut down over the past couple of years. I've watched it happening. But since I'm unable to gain any credibility about my own problems, there's not much I could say or do about it. I've definitely tried to warn people - so please don't say I didn't.


Privacy products and anonymity sites - plus ALL Internet Service Providers - give a false sense of security and protection. 'Back door' access is always available to the government (specifically U.S. intelligence, via CSIS), without any cause whatsoever. Everything's clearly being linked up, or 'centralized,' anyway, so they can easily bypass asking respective companies or organizations for permission to access any data or line connections.

Radio Shack Becomes The Source

Another point of interest...Radio Shack, Canada's last Canadian-driven electronics retailer, has recently been bought out by Circuit City.

More than 900 Canadian electronics stores to become THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY

Richmond, Va. and Barrie, ON, April 27, 2005 - Circuit City Stores, Inc. and InterTAN Canada Ltd. today announced that on or before June 30, 2005, all stores currently operated by InterTAN Canada Ltd. under license from RadioShack Corporation will be re-branded as THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY. The introduction of THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY stores begins today with the unveiling of the Toronto Eaton Centre location.

"Ninety percent of all Canadians live within a 10-minute drive to one of our locations. [emphasis mine] By June 30, THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY will have the same national coverage," said Brian Levy, president and chief executive officer of InterTAN Canada Ltd. "Customers will continue to see quality, national and international electronics brands as well as an emphasis on personal and portable devices."

THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY will be the local destination for personal electronics such as MP3 players, digital cameras, LCD TVs and a broad selection of personal and portable consumer electronics. THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY will also offer a diverse mix of communication, computer and household electronic products.

The Eaton Centre store in Toronto is the first location to be re-branded THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY and will be followed by other locations in the Greater Toronto Area and other major markets. The introduction of THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY will be supported by a major advertising campaign featuring television and radio commercials as well as print and outdoor advertising.

The company also released a copy of the mark for THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY.

www.TheSourceCC.com

About THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY. THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY (www.thesourcecc.com) is operated by InterTAN Canada Ltd., an indirectly owned subsidiary of Circuit City Stores, Inc. Building on InterTAN Canada Ltd.’s more than 30 years of experience as an electronics retailer, THE SOURCE BY CIRCUIT CITY will have more than 900 locations nationwide by June 30, 2005. All stores will offer a wide range of brand name consumer electronics including communications, computing, personal audio and cool gadgets.

About Circuit City Stores, Inc. Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE:CC) is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics throughout the United States and Canada. The company’s domestic segment operates through 612 Superstores and five mall-based stores in the United States. The company’s international segment operates through approximately 1,000 retail stores, dealers and other outlets in Canada.
### [See article source and related discussion.]