Knowledge is power. Knowledge that is stolen represents a theft of power. What information cannot be kept safe is power that cannot be controlled. Often the distribution of knowledge is beneficial, the more scientists have access to the more they can improve upon. Other knowledge is better kept secret, protected from those who would misuse it.
Information about an individual is power. Knowledge of a person's habits, their interactions, their emails and social interactions with others, gives some power over that person. Data on a person places you in a position to interfere with their interactions. It allows you to understand their motives and their goals. In an unprotected Internet, or an insecure Internet, leaving a digital footprint can leave you with a weakness that others will exploit.
We need to be able to exist on the Internet without fear of exploitation. We need to be able to share knowledge, to be able to improve the available resources of all mankind. If we have to live in fear that our openness will be exploited our progress will be hindered. Trust is imperative to the cause of progression, and I fear that the abusive actions of some will destroy the trust of the many.
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