ECHELON...Mystery Surveillance

I never really think about the fact that all my cyber footsteps can be tracked…I usually just go about my usual business of writing emails to friends and family, buying things online and checking my facebook with no clue or worry that all the while someone or something could be monitoring my every move…

I was just having a flick through Sophie’s new blog about Echelon and wanted to touch on one thing in particular… Echelon's success in catching criminals comes from the fact that 'criminals' aren't aware they are being monitored and don't know the 'keywords' that the surveillance device is tracking. The program has an air of ambiguity about it; the predominant users (U.S and U.K) don’t even admit to using it! If laws were enforced on Echelon and we all gave our permission to be monitored on the program surely we would be much more subtle with our cyber activity! If you know you are doing something wrong, you go to all lengths to no get caught. Look at drugs for instance. Police can monitor digital devices to track words such as ‘weed’ ‘E’ ‘Acid’ etc… suppliers are frequently caught out through such mediums. However, because suppliers know that such systems are in place the clever ones dodge being caught by using other words in texting and emails etc. Instead of dealing with the word ‘ecstasy’ the supplier will use the word ‘bickie’ or something as such.. Same goes for dealers that get a text message or phone call saying ‘hey can we have some weed’…if they are intelligent they will ignore the text message or not answer the call! Although it is known that Echelon does exist, the fact that some Governments don’t acknowledge using it, that keyword’s aren’t exposed and that there are no laws covering it means that criminals don’t have something to ‘dodge’…if they don’t know when or what they are being monitored, surely they are bound to slip up! Hence why it’s effective!

Facebook to find criminals...

My apologies for being 'blog vacant' for the last 2weeks...last week of term saw me snowed under with work and then had a nice relaxing holiday at the beach where we have no internet connection...actually quite nice for a change, dabbled in other activities, even attempted a puzzle! Anyhow... Was reading an article on the BBC website "Facebook to track Darfur suspects." (To view it go through the magnolia Feed on my page)... Crime authorities are now resorting to the internet, in this case Facebook, to spread awareness and gain information about criminal whereabouts etc. I find this every interesting because I think it highlights the extent at which the internet engrosses our lives. Nick Donovan of the Aegis Trust, the organisation behind the "Wanted for War Crimes" list states "Wanted posters can only be seen by a few hundred people at most - the internet is used by billions." I think he hits the nail on the head...so many of us use the internet, be it as a social means or for information. By using facebook, authorities are able to alert a large and diverse group in society with minimal effort. Quite effective if you ask me!

IBM and Second Life...Merger!

A management paper I am presently doing touched upon the subject of technology in the workplace, specifically in regards to communication. It is evident that technological advancements have completely transformed the world of business, essentially bringing greater efficiency and productivity. Work environments have developed from physical spaces into interactive atmospheres where it is not uncommon to have employees working together from various locations around the world. There is however a downside to all of this; the constant use of new technological advancements as a means of communication sees personal interaction disintegrate.

You guys may think, what on earth has this got to do with ‘Virtual Identities?’ and I do assure you I have a point coming…
While browsing online news articles on the virtual community ‘Second Life’ I stumbled across an article referring to computer technology giant IBM (see the article @ http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Messaging-and-Collaboration/IBM-First-to-Host-Second-Life-on-its-Own-Servers/).

It seems IBM, in conjunction with Second Life creator Linden Lab, are planning to host the program on IBM’s own server as a ‘stepping stone’ to greater adoption of virtual worlds across the enterprise. Now, I find this really interesting because in previous research for my management class I discovered that IBM is in fact very ‘pro’ face-to-face interaction with customers rather than communication of a virtual means. IBM believes that while technological advancements such as the web have certainly made it easier for the company to communicate with its clientele, it is no substitute for personal interaction. IBM has even recently created ‘The Global Tivoli User Group Council’ which is comprised of 20 appointed leaders from all around the world whom represent the company’s various user groups. Once a year the Council meets in person with employees of IBM and are given the opportunity to voice any concerns, gain important information, express ideas and discuss the new and emerging business.

After learning both pieces of information I must ask…Does indulging in a business venture with a ‘virtual community’ company mean that IBM is contradicting their ‘apparent’ beliefs on personal customer interaction? And does this effectively mean that face-to-face communication is a thing of the past and online presence the future?

The internet is well and truly changing the way in which business works. Already many companies have virtual presences in ‘Second Life’. A list of the brands can be viewed at http://slbusinesscommunicators.pbwiki.com/Companies+in+Second+Life
Sony/BMG, BMW and Adidas are just a few to name. The world of online communities is large and developing. Established companies such as IBM who once proudly stated their devotion to personal interaction have jumped on the bandwagon in a big way. Surely this signals that there are major advancements install for life online. Maybe one day we will be just that, a ‘virtual being’…Scary to think huh!!