From Dave Amis
I am profoundly worried when I read an editorial in a supposedly rational,
scientific magazine that advises: “When it comes to e-mail, trust no one”
(Editorial, 19 June, p 3).
There are any number of journalists, tabloid and broadsheet, who are only too
willing to spread scare stories about hackers and viruses. The consequence of
this is a growing sense of mistrust and fear, which will provide more of an
impetus for the implementation of intrusive surveillance than a few viruses and
worms will.
New Scientist should not add to a sense of panic that will lead to
an acceptance of intrusive monitoring of cyberspace. Nor should it add to the
all-too-prevalent sense of mistrust that is an unwelcome characteristic of
modern society.
kam76@dial.pipex.com
