Bonum Certa Men Certa

Apple Stomps on Civil Liberties

Summary: Apple continues banning opposition to CIA's assassination policy and Apple denies anonymous purchases

Drones, or electronic death bots, are of great relevance to us not just because they run Linux but because they are ethically wrong, as many warn with great passion (this includes politicians, human rights groups, and TV hosts). The question has become, who doesn't oppose predator drones? The press is filled with articles against drone strikes these days. Many of them we include in our daily links now (my personal site too). Predator drones are why groups like the FSF remain relevant and important, as computer programs are now directly responsible for killing some innocent people who just happen to be in the 'wrong' place or favour the 'wrong' side. Drones will continue to be a focus here. They are an imminent threat not only to suspected terrorists. Apple has been defending drones in the sense that it censors opponents of drones. It still does. Here are two new reports about it:





Apple has been close to president Obama. Steve Jobs was hanging out with the president and now he supports his foreign policy, even from his grave. Apple does not care about civil liberties; it patented remote deactivation of cameras, for instance. Today I went to buy iPhone 5 for a friend who insisted on getting it and although I paid in cash (for which I had to visit the bank, as it exceeds ATM limits) the salesperson insisted on having my full name and E-mail address. I declined. He gave me a funny look (although I was exceedingly polite and well dressed) and still insisted, so I gave fake details. Most UK shops don't require it. Only one does.

We will try to focus on Apple's attack on Android, which takes a patent gown.

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