Published in News

Germans fear data monitoring

by on05 June 2008

Image

Big Brother influences citizens


Fears over government monitoring and data retention laws are chasing Germans off the Internet and the telephone. A recent survey shows that since Germany brought in data retention laws 11 percent had already abstained from single telecommunication acts and more than half would not use phone or e-mail for confidential contacts.

The survey by the Forsa Institute said that it would appear that people under surveillance behave differently than people who are not monitored. More than 73 percent know about the data retention, 11 percent  said that they had already abstained from using phones, cell phones or e-mail on certain occasions; and six per cent believe they will receive less communication since the beginning of the data retention.

More than half said they probably would not use telecommunication for contacts like drug counselors, psychotherapists or marriage counsellors because of data retention. What is funnier is that just under half think that data retention is a necessary step for crime prevention, and that it is also good for them.
Last modified on 05 June 2008
Rate this item
(0 votes)