It is my belief that industry and government around the world should work even more closely to protect the privacy and security of Internet users, and promote the exchange of ideas, while respecting legitimate government considerations.
This was said, of course, during a meeting with China’s Communist dictators, with whom Gates has, thus far, been an unapologetic collaborator.
So the question now becomes: What are “legitimate” government considerations deserving of “respect”?
Is, for example, wholesale censorship of the Internet, complete with political prisoners, a “legitimate government consideration”?
Just wondering.
3 responses so far ↓
Link Tony // Apr 21, 2006 at 8:38 am
I suspect he realizes that the government may have found the one area where it's more competent than even Microsoft. That's a low standard, of course, which does everything but beg for government intervention. Just about every other company could achieve more without government intervention. Steve Jobs and Linus Torvalds might be able to show a different perspective, if Gates would just listen.
Link Crime & Federalism // Apr 21, 2006 at 10:51 am
Rules vs. Standards
Kip's post on Bill Gates is written in a context totally unrelated to jurisprudence, and yet, it best illustrates why so many of us hate so-called balancing tests. Just about anything can become a "legitimate" interest.
Link JC // Apr 21, 2006 at 6:51 pm
Steve Jobs?? I wasn't aware that Apple stopped doing business with China.