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.
