More Security, More Privacy

PC Magazine ^ | August 2002 | Bill Machrone

[spald]

The best thing about writing this column is you. The PC Magazine audience is broadly knowledgeable, and I invariably learn from the e-mail responses I get. I learn even more from readers' questions, because they underscore concerns that are shared but perhaps not voiced by many. So here is a follow-up on a recent column.

[spald]

This EDR system looks pretty invasive.

[thegreatbeast]

I am going to defend this EDR. It is the auto manufacturers that have to defend their products from suits regarding defects in workmanship. Also, this EDR should help in detecting insurance fraud which would lower insurance premiums for all of us. It could also point to improvements in design that would make cars and highways safer.
Are black boxes invasive when used in airplanes? Why are EDRs invasive when applied to automobiles?

[thatsnotnice]

Does that sound invasive? I think so.

Well, it does and it doesn’t. It does from the standpoint that if I wanted to claim that I’d parked my car on the street and someone hit it, I’d be exposed as a liar. So yep, from that standpoint it is invasive.

On the other hand, if I were to tell the insurance company, or officer, that I was going 58 in a 30 and not wearing my seatbelt, then it would pretty much verify what I have already said. So no, in that case it would not be invasive, IMO.