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Linux_User
I haven't seen my friends in so long
Joined: Tue May 05, 2009 3:29 pm Posts: 7173
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This thread is inspired by a GCHQ-related story in the news thread.
Personally, I find the purpose and existence of GCHQ completely abhorrent; we're talking about an organisation whose mission is to spy on all our electronic communications with no evidence or justification. I have done nothing wrong so I see no reason why I should have my communications actively monitored.
How long do we have to live under this incredibly vague, anti-terror fear blanket?
Thoughts?
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:28 pm |
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paulzolo
What's a life?
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:27 pm Posts: 12251
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Keep reading Hello! magazine. Do not concern yourself with such matters. All will be well.
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:34 pm |
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didgeman
Occasionally has a life
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:18 pm Posts: 289
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My father worked for gchq (He actually worked for CSO which is a divsion) . We were based in many different countries including Hong Kong and Ascension Island, much of the 'listening' was of foreign nationals and communications. You would probably figure out the areas of interest based on where we lived!
The problem as i see it is that all the 'good' things they do, i.e. stopping terrorist attacks etc are rarely reported. And long may that continue.
Personally, i don't like the idea of my comms being intercepted but I don't like the alternatives much either.
Didge,
_________________eurotech
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:35 pm |
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AlunD
Site Admin
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:12 am Posts: 7011 Location: Wiltshire
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Simple answer is OH YES. 
_________________ <input type="pickmeup" name="coffee" value="espresso" />
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:36 pm |
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okenobi
Spends far too much time on here
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:59 pm Posts: 4932 Location: Sestriere, Piemonte, Italia
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Is this a trick question? 
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:53 pm |
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jonbwfc
What's a life?
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:26 pm Posts: 17040
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I guess it is a two edged sword. There's no real technical difference between our communications and 'their' communications, so any system/organisation that can intercept the latter can by definition intercept the former. And in the real world we have no friends, as project Echelon proved quite aptly. So we probably do need to know what 'they' are up to.
The problem is of course with GCHQ, as with any government branch, is the brakes on it's activities are the morals of the people we choose to lead us. Oh, wait...
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:03 pm |
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adidan
I haven't seen my friends in so long
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:43 pm Posts: 5048
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_________________ Fogmeister I ventured into Solitude but didn't really do much. jonbwfc I was behind her in a queue today - but I wouldn't describe it as 'bushy'.
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:15 pm |
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onemac
Doesn't have much of a life
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:14 pm Posts: 1598 Location: Right here...... Right now.......
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A relation of mine flies the Nimrod R1 - a mobile version of GCHQ (yes, there are still a few Nimrods flying). Just being in an area prevents 'the customers' from using any form of electronic communication device - if they do then their location can be traced and monitored further.
GCHQ is necessary IMHO - there are those who would wish harm on us just because we don't hold their beliefs and without GCHQ they would be able to plan and exercise their campaign with impunity.
Al
_________________ Eternally optimistic in a 'glass half empty' sort of way....
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:17 pm |
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okenobi
Spends far too much time on here
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:59 pm Posts: 4932 Location: Sestriere, Piemonte, Italia
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They can anyway. They just have to do it in person. In fact, they're far better at communicating in person than us 24/7 digital, connected Westerners. 
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 4:48 pm |
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Linux_User
I haven't seen my friends in so long
Joined: Tue May 05, 2009 3:29 pm Posts: 7173
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Now you see, it's this kind of mentality that has Prime Ministers running scared. After all, who wants to be the Prime Minister that slashed funding for the intelligence services, only for a bomb to go off in Covent Garden? This is why, really, we need experienced ministers in the job. According to Private Eye, when MI5 tried the "national security" shenanigans with the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, he was having none of it - probably because as a veteran Home Office minister he knows it's all [LIFTED].
Last edited by Linux_User on Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 5:08 pm |
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davrosG5
I haven't seen my friends in so long
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:37 am Posts: 6954 Location: Peebo
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I would reply but my GCHQ mouse mat is watching what I'm doing and will report any descent immediately 
_________________ When they put teeth in your mouth, they spoiled a perfectly good bum. -Billy Connolly (to a heckler)
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 5:53 pm |
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ProfessorF
What's a life?
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:56 pm Posts: 12030
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Yes, sadly, we need GCHQ. What we also need are people who are capable of translating the information they gather into meaningful policy.
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 6:32 pm |
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Amnesia10
Legend
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:02 am Posts: 29240 Location: Guantanamo Bay (thanks bobbdobbs)
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I do think that GCHQ are [CENSORED by GCHQ] and while we have no idea what they are up to. They could be [CENSORED by GCHQ] for all we know. I doubt that the PM has any idea of [CENSORED by GCHQ] or that [CENSORED by GCHQ] or even [CENSORED by GCHQ]
So am I [CENSORED by GCHQ]. Yes.
_________________Do concentrate, 007... "You are gifted. Mine is bordering on seven seconds." https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTg5MzczNTkhttp://astore.amazon.co.uk/wwwx404couk-21
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:43 pm |
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okenobi
Spends far too much time on here
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:59 pm Posts: 4932 Location: Sestriere, Piemonte, Italia
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:45 pm |
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ProfessorF
What's a life?
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:56 pm Posts: 12030
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Not having GCHQ gathering intelligence and expecting that we can adequately understand the greater lay of the land (so to speak) at home and abroad is rather like suggesting that a university without a library on campus is well equipped for producing graduates. Or, even more simply, would you trust a deaf person to cross a busy road safely on a blind corner?
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Fri Nov 19, 2010 8:03 pm |
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