>I think the focus shouldn't be on the unavoidable "information radiation wake" you give off as you move through the world living your life, but on the ways people utilize this information. The government, and private entities, need to be constrained in how this information can be legally used, not in the collection of it, which I think is impossible.
You clearly describe two options: preventing collection, and limiting utilization. I agree that preventing collection is impossible, but I don't think simply limiting utilization is enough. I think limiting utilization and retention is key. As long as the data exist, it can be utilized in the future.
> I think limiting utilization and retention is key.
I think the retention point is valuable. But it also seems sort of impossible in some arenas.
Take Facebook. Say that the government can only retain information it collects for 6 months. Fine; but they could re-request that same data 6 months later.
I suppose there is always a way around this (no extensions without a warrant), but in principle retention seems both critical and a minefield of potential confusion. I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts on the topic.
Well, if the government had to 'redownload the entire Internet' every 6 months, then they might decide to curb their information habits (or like a junkie they might just look for ways to skit the rules).
You clearly describe two options: preventing collection, and limiting utilization. I agree that preventing collection is impossible, but I don't think simply limiting utilization is enough. I think limiting utilization and retention is key. As long as the data exist, it can be utilized in the future.