NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Cyber-scaremongers excited about Al Qaeda video
Cyber-scaremongers excited about Al Qaeda video http://j.mp/Jmai7u (This message on Google+) - - - Lieberman says terrorist video proves need for cybersecurity standards http://j.mp/KRKaho (The Hill) We can all agree that cybersecurity is an important issue. I also strongly believe that the cyberwar industry and some associated politicians are playing the mainstream media like a violin. Today we have Sen. Joe Lieberman attempting to use an Al Qaeda video about cyberattacks -- which essentially parrots back the alarmist statements made by U.S.-based cyberwar industry proponents -- as "more evidence" of the need for a major crackdown on the Internet. It's important to note the circular reasoning being employed by Sen. Lieberman in this case (who we will recall has in the past downplayed Al Qaeda messages that did not fit into his legislative agenda). The U.S. cyber-scaremongers go on "60 Minutes" and proclaim that the cybersky is falling. Al Qaeda picks up a copy of the show, and edits those statements into their video. Sen Lieberman then points at Al Qaeda quoting back the U.S. cyberscare tactics, and he then proclaims in essence, "See! That proves it!" A textbook example of useless "circular logic" in action. Cybersecurity is a crucial issue. There are many key aspects related to cybersecurity that need attention. But if we continue to treat this area with the same lack of honest logic and reality that increasingly damages other areas of science and technology policy in this country, we may seriously damage the Internet and the Internet community in general, not just in the U.S., but around the world. --Lauren-- Lauren Weinstein (lauren@vortex.com): http://www.vortex.com/lauren Co-Founder: People For Internet Responsibility: http://www.pfir.org Founder: - Data Wisdom Explorers League: http://www.dwel.org - Network Neutrality Squad: http://www.nnsquad.org - Global Coalition for Transparent Internet Performance: http://www.gctip.org - PRIVACY Forum: http://www.vortex.com Member: ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy Lauren's Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com Google+: http://vortex.com/g+lauren / Twitter: http://vortex.com/t-lauren Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800 / Skype: vortex.com _______________________________________________ nnsquad mailing list http://lists.nnsquad.org/mailman/listinfo/nnsquad