IN AN early scene in Orwell’s ‘1984’, Winston Smith exploits the fact that an enclave exists in his flat that enables him to write his secret diary, away from the incessant gaze of ‘Big Brother’.
On first reading, I was appalled at such a vision but, in the aftermath of Manchester, the call for a universal interception of emails is no different.
This totalitarian move would trample on our individual rights and security services could manipulate the policy change to suit their agenda.
In other words, any pretext could be proposed as grounds for intrusion, say, a survey of citizens who are antifox hunting or for a survey of people, like myself, who favour a move to republicanism in the UK.
As a classical Liberal, I find the mere suggestion of universal surveillance abhorrent.
IAN ROBLIN ex-Abingdon resident
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here