Loss of Privacy

The Freedom not Fear demonstration on Saturday was meant to be peaceful [in German] .  The police, however, displayed examples of brutal violence.

25,000 people from more than 160 groups attended the demonstration, which was organized by those who are concerned about censorship and privacy in Germany.

freiheit statt angst / freedom not fear – demo 12.09.2009 from Gerd Eist on Vimeo.

According to the police [in German] , the gentleman with the bicycle was asked repeatedly to leave and, when he didn’t, he was arrested.  Since the police statement and the video do not agree, an investigation has begun.

Family Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced that Germany will now have mandatory web filters to protect the children from pornography.  The list of web sites will also be updated every day.

Despite new studies that confirm the Internet is less dangerous than going to school, this measure to block access to certain web sites was touted as being vital to preventing children from being harmed.

Again, this has come down to the issue of child pornography, which everyone except pedophiles, agrees should be banned.  However, no one, including children, simply stumble upon child pornography sites.  They have to be sought out.

You can read the article in German and in English.

Remember, it’s not really about child porn; it’s about control.  Nothing good can come of this.