The Mask and the Ball.
The mask used in the ball (or in any private residence) is privacy.
The mask used in public is a problem since it facilitates things like robbery intimidation and assault by enabling escape for consequence.
Similarly in private communication the personal communication is protected from interception (by the government) while communication to a public forum is not.
Just because the threat of misuses are there is no good reason to reduce or eliminate the privacy of all. Privacy in many cases is security in and of itself.
Should we declare all private diaries( in any form) to be search-able by the government because one may plan a an attack on society within them? Later when the same capability to do so with the human mind is available extending it on? How many crimes could be prevented, what a noble cause!
There is a very real reason why peace officers wear names and badges, and why in totalitarian regimes the same are masked. I would never take those same officers right to privacy away.
This is a very important discussion for every person to have.
It is the underpinnings of free society and I wish I could be more articulate.
