In the Name of Terrorism
For those not within the British Isles or watching mainstream news for that matter, the name Theresa May very well may not matter too much to you. Those that use the internet though, starting with Britain and maybe the world, you may need to fear the direction this lady has in store for your freedoms of internet usage and even Crypto based software.
Theresa May is the new Conservative Party leader and the 2nd female prime minister for the great region of the United Kingdom, who has gained her position during such a harsh time in the UK's history. At this stage most of us have learned about the horrible attacks on London this week. This event does strike a huge concern for security measures to be initiated so terror threats and attacks can hopefully become a thing of the past. I commend the fact we should face the music in this area, get the world back on a peaceful track but at what cost will it take to turn things around? Well Mrs. May has plans you may not respect and could spell trouble for your basic rights to communicate.
The Theresa May Plan
Its been widely known through the UK that Prime Minister May's views hold a very stern conservative viewpoint on how people use the internet. She has been a lobbyist for stricter regulations on UK citizens well before these recent terror attacks and now it appears that she plans to use this opportunistic moment to spread her message for tightening the nooses on the fiber optic users of the internet within the UK borders.
Theresa May says that this weeks London terror attacks show proof that the internet cannot be a "safe space" for terrorists and furthermore any form of cryptography to hide users privacy must be banned in the UK. She further states that there should be no "means of communication in which we cannot read" meaning the authorities and Governmental agencies should gain access to everyone's communication online. Sadly due to her tactics of banking on the fears that people now have, many political backers are welcoming a change in how the internet is used and removing private access.
A Government "Master Key" to your Encryption
So what is the call to action that Theresa May proposes to keep citizens safe from internet wrong doings? A "Master Key" access like scenario handed over to security experts in Government agencies who can at any given moment crack and open any form of encryption a user may implement to protect their personal data. A basic back door system where your attempts for personal security can be infiltrated when agencies feel a need to snoop around at your activity.
To me this is a seriously asinine version of protection for UK citizens and blatant misuse of a current tragedy for personal political platforms to be put into action. To call this a safety net for citizens is clearly not well thought out because of one simple fact most security experts are pointing out. To instill a back door actually harbors a weak link in security measures for personal data and corporate data protection, that could very well easily gain access by outside hackers. You think the recent ransomware attacks was anything to worry about? Imagine a situation where hackers sort out those "Master Keys" and can now find easier ways in through that route. Say goodbye to your encrypted bank account, credit cards, and login information.
Now for Cryptocurrency
What protects your Bitcoin, your Altcoins, your Steemit account the most? Encryption, good old fashioned cryptographic technology that increases towards privacy and security every day. Imagine this scenario because this version of terrorist based cyber protection purposed could very well take a lot of heat on us Crypto enthusiasts all around.
If a ban was put in place worldwide starting with the UK to remove open source privacy, eliminate full control over our encryption status and back doors where made into law so outside agencies where would that leave the crypto movement? Well my friends the open source based GitHub could be very well on attack, your wallets could be Governmental play toys and you might as well toss out your belief in privacy and security for your finances because it will most likely have a few weak spots involved if this plan was to be a reality.
To me that is a serious removal of my basic rights to control my finances and my freedom of speech, to regulate my online activity and have a cold breath over my shoulder from strangers who could possibly be watching my every move does not sit too well with my belief system of freedom.
So what comes next?
As of right now this is all in talks, a lot of political banter thrown at the media and no delegation as of yet to implement this into action. Does this mean we won so far? Probably not, I personally will be keeping tabs on this as it develops because we already see the issues from China's "Great Firewall of China" usage to blockade citizens from freedoms of connecting with the free people of the world. I think this is something all internet users of the world should rally against and stand up for this last free avenue we have left. Censorship was never in place here and I believe most of us do not want that plus prying eyes on our finances and personal accounts.
If you have nothing to hide then why be concerned?
I see that phrase online a lot from the conservative side, and I get that mentality but its not about hiding anything when it comes to privacy and security. Its about the giving up the last few rights as humans we have in the realm of individuality. If we keep on caving and letting go of simple personal freedoms then where does the system stop and where do we end up beginning? I have nothing to hide myself but do I want any of you in my accounts and using my good name for whatever reasons you may have? Sorry to hold my personal internet activities to myself but I feel a strong need to protect my individuality there. I have felt intrusion anytime one of my accounts has gotten hacked, so why should i let a government betray my rights in this area and let them do the same thing criminals attempted before?
We are at a huge crossroads right now in human history. Major questions have to be answered before we can go forward together as a family of humans crossing the thresholds of time. If we do not get this right in this living slew of generations standing on this Earth, then we may lead destruction for the generations coming after us. Do we need to rid the world of terrorism, yes its just as asinine to let Governments take our freedoms to in turn allow men and women running around killing each other. But I tend to think the answer lies in human connections not taking that connection away. Maybe I am crazy but love tends to calm the beasts of this world and severing that love to use control on the average citizen of this world could be just as much a terroristic threat.
