Data Retention Effectively Changes the Behavior of Citizens in Germany

A new survey shows that data retention laws influence the actual behavior of citizens in Germany. 11% had already abstained from single telecommunication acts, 52% would not use phone or e-mail for confidential contacts.

Survey: Surveillance cameras in Berlin’s subway are ineffective

In 2006, a pilot project was started to install surveillance cameras in several routes of Berlin’s subway. One condition of the project was that it had to be evaluated. The disillusioning intermediary result: A change of crime rates due to the introduction of video surveillance does not become apparent. A significant effect on the security […]

German Bundestag Decides to Implement Data Retention

Starting next year, all communication providers in Germany will have to store all connection data for six months.

The Power of Nightmares – Behind the Scenes of the Politics of Fear

I recently finished watching a fascinating series of documentaries by Adam Curtis for the BBC, which is available as a free download: The Power of Nightmares It explains in three parts how politicians (especially in the USA and Great Britain ) use the fears of people to ensure their power. It also tells the history […]

Iran does not want to wipe Israel off the map

“Israel must be wiped off the map” This is a famous quote of Iran’s President Ahmadinejad that is used over and over to show how dangerous Iran allegedly is. Considering the publicity of this quote, it is quite surprising that almost noone knows that this is a mistranslation and crudely taken out of context. In […]