Tanya Rider's Story

What does Tanya Rider's story have to do with the explosion of bits?

  1. Read Blown to Bits pages 1-4. As you read, be prepared to discuss the following:
    • According to the authors, what are some things that have changed as a result of computers?
    • What do the authors mean by "explosion of bits"?

Other news stories about Tanya Rider:

  1. Police couldn't access Tanya Rider's records because of her right to privacy. Is there a way to make a policy that preserves one's right to privacy and also makes sure a person like Tanya Rider gets rescued? Write down three arguments for each of the following positions.
    • Position A: The right to privacy isn't just an abstract principle. Sometimes, for example, women disappear to hide from abusive husbands. The police can't assume they are getting the whole story when a person is reported missing. They have to follow the rules even if that delays some rescues. Also, maybe it's the police that the person is trying to avoid!
    • Position B: The police should be able to check the location of a phone right away to search for a missing person, perhaps with a rule that they can't use the information for any other purpose, or disclose it to anyone, without permission from a court.
    Is there a third policy that protects everyone's needs?