Bruce Schneier says it better than I can "Too many wrongly characterize the debate as 'security versus privacy.' The real choice is liberty versus control".

I highly recommend this http://www.wired.com/politics/security/commentary/securitymatters/2006/05/70886

As far as I can see the US has accepted a level of control which would have been regarded as a tyranny a while back, while gaining zero extra security. You have not traded privacy for security; you have given up privacy and gained nothing.

Your security is no greater now than it was before 9/11. What aspects of that tragedy would the current situation have stopped?

It is always worth reading Bruce Schneier. Here is an article in the latest Cryptogram:

"Where Should Airport Security Begin?"

http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0801.html#3

Airport Security Study

http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0801.html#4

The pay-off is not in balance with the plus in security. Unfortunately the EU is following the US in giving up privacy for pseudo security. As long I don't have influence on what PII are given away officially, I don't need to worry about ID theft.

Roger,

I do agree and understand where you are coming from. But, I guess when it comes to the safety of the country and its people security wins over privacy. Security cannot be enforced properly without invading privacy.

I personally think Privacy is important but when it’s the question of Country Security we should not worried about privacy.

For example: If 1000 people are travelling. If Law Enforcement doesn't check the details properly how they will find the suspect traveller? What I mean is 999 people have to go through privacy issues in order to help Law Enforcement to get hold of 1 suspect.

I know privacy is very important. But in this case I would be more worried about security not privacy.

Again, that’s just my opinion.

Cheers

Shoaib

Shoaib,

"Security cannot be enforced properly without invading privacy"

I think that privacy is a bit more important than security. Although i do agree that security is important, if we do not have privacy, i think the nation will revolt, causing a national debate worse than privacy vs security. I'm in between the argument, I believe that we need to balance out our privacy and security, before our nation gets anymore corupt than it already is. But thats just a little kids opinion, so who cares, right? I hope this rather long comment makes people think a little more; to see my point of view for a moment.

Thanks for the debate,

debating kid

I almost forgot. http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/01/security_vs_pri.html

Bruce has a great debate too.