If it can be done, it will be done. No ethical or legal inhibitions will stop me. That is the inexorable logic of technological progress.
Or so it seems.
However, clearly that is not true. Since 1945, no nuclear power has dropped a nuclear bomb – so far.
Having them is what counts.
For a variety of reasons, recent disclosures are likely to force similar restraints on nations – above all on the United States – engaged in surveillance and espionage activities that infringe on the privacy of national leaders.
In case the inexorable logic of technological progress – or the stubbornness of politicians – blocks such restraints, national leaders may be well advised to instruct their technology experts to invent new means to protect their privacy.
Without commenting on hacking or “humint” (human intelligence) gathering, I would say that it’s hard to dredge up much sympathy for anyone, especially a government leader, who complains that her mobile phone calls have been compromised.
Friends, let me be clear on this: when you make or take a call on your cell phone, you’re putting the entire contents out there in the ether by way of (usually) plain-language radio transmission. You might just as well stand on a hilltop and shout it out as loudly as possible. Encryption is the equivalent of shouting in a language that you hope no listener can understand.
Sorry, Angela, no sympathy here.