Escaping the Matrix
What is the matrix?
Well, it doesn’t have anything to do with the movie, that’s for sure. In this case, the matrix is a multi-state database of supposed anti-terrorist information. In fact, MATRIX is an abbreviation for Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange. Well, it sounds great, but it tends to erode privacy in the name of security. So, it’s not a huge surprise that, according to this article on Wired News, the states of Wisconsin and New York have actually dropped participation. In fact, they cited privacy concerns as one of the primary reasons for doing so.
As regular readers know, I am in favor of personal privacy. I think the government should stick to what they do best; social programs, law enforcement and military issues. Oh, and, of course, taxation. But, frankly, I think they should leave my privacy alone. I hope this move by Wisconsin and New York is a growing trend towards more privacy, not less.
