South Africa is a country that skates the line that is similar to the Patriot act from the US. They have, in response to the US fight against terrorism, worked to make certain information available to enforcement agencies. In addition the government has trained people, “cyber inspectors”, that will be able to aid in law enforcement in criminal and civil investigations. This creates a few scary thoughts; the main being with giving this kind of power there is danger of abuse. Giving access to databases is a dangerous aspect to privacy. If in the wrong hands it could end badly.
In addition the country has specific laws that make Internet providers seek and pay for encrypting services that allow the purchasing of materials online for consumers. The content control relates specifically to the Publications Act in which there is prohibiting of child pornography, bestiality and pornography that sexualizes extreme violence.
This article can be seen here.
I am really wondering about the South African Patriot Act. I would assume, that chances of abuse are very high. Especially since South Africa, despite its great revival under Nelson Mandela, is still a country with ethnic problems. The country's still divided in many aspects. So I would assume that for these reasons, internet spionage could be a problem there.
ReplyDeleteI don't know any statistics, so that's just a guess in the dark!!!