The UK government plans to create a database that will monitor the internet activity of its users. Although the ministers said that "it's not a case of creating a single government-owned database but instead a way of keeping track of contact, as opposed to monitoring the actual contents of what is being said." 40% of those who were asked during the Home Office Consultation opposed the plan
Having a central database that hold medical and financial information of the public will break down the unnecessary barriers between different government department, thus it will increase the efficiency by responding more quickly and effectively to the public's needs. Also the public will not have to give out the same personal information to different departments, so having a central database also benefits the public.
But a question that one might come up is, How will the government hold this massive amount of information in a database? The amount of data will only create more mistakes and confusion which will decrease the efficiency of processing information.
A government database could indeed increase the efficiency of the work for both the public and the government but by sacrificing some of the rights that the public has.
In the year 2000, the Canadian government developed a DNA database that is capable of identifying a person even with minute samples of blood. However, the problem is that what if organizations, companies or even small businesses are given access to these databases? Then a person would be judged by his/her DNA rather than the personality. For example, a person could be rejected from a job because he happened to carry a disease that the employer seemed dangerous when in fact it could have been harmless. This doesn't only apply to jobs but can also apply to health care, adoption, insurance and other social services that the government provides. I agree with the notion that a DNA database could be used very effectively in capturing inmates because it is a definite benefit.
However, the fact that the government database hold the public's personal information is like saying "You are a suspect so we must store your information in our database". But weren't we innocent until proven guilty?
Some others argue, that having a database is an invasion of privacy. Citizens should not give up their own privacy for the convenience of the government's data management, but rather the government exists to serve the citizens. So, allowing governments to store all personal information in a database is just going beyond what is necessary.
Do you think it is necessary for governments to hold personal information on their databases or is this unnecessary and a invasion of privacy?
I think that it is necessary for the government to have and manage this information to an extent because not only do they need this information to just register you as a citizen of that country but also if you commit a crime they are able to recognize you. Just like Chong mentioned people are now able to be identified just by having a blood sample.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand , also mentioned by Chong, the risks of this information going public for any reason is something that would be very risky not only for the government but for the people whos information was leaked out of the system.
I agree with both Chong, Cesar, and the government to necessary collect DNA sample from all citizens. The government wanted to make sure that everyone is safe from different kind of diseases. If the information is exposed to the public, everyone knows other people's privacy and who they are. Other words, people can steal other people's information and that I do not like when people wanted to be like me.
ReplyDeleteI think this idea, government managing the sensitive information in their database can make our lives so much better, but to be careful with the obvious privacy issue when the information leaks out.
ReplyDeleteBut if I were the citizen of this country, I would like the government to explain us clearly, where are they going to store the information and how are they going to prevent leaking personal information.
I agree with this issue but to an extent, because it is an easier alternative form to use the database to be used to identify the citizens of the UK. Also it is a more organized way to store data and if anything happens drastically then they will have the information to prove anything, for example a crime or terrorist attack. But I agree with Akira, because if I were a citizen of the UK then I would want the government to explain how they are going to use this information to help us. Also how they are going to regulate this information and how it wouldn’t be used as a bad thing.
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