On Sunday 04 July 2010 06:44 PM, jtd wrote:
On Sunday 04 July 2010 14:58:02 Rony Bill wrote:
Some countries require it for first time travel, like Europe. If one is not strict, the travel agents ask for too many personal details. Anyway my point is that privacy gets diluted at very low levels compared to the Govt. The office boys of travel agents, mediclaim TPAs, and other institutions have so much assess to peoples' documents.
But not the power or ability to "misuse" it. Even when it is misused it is for some minor pecuniary gain. Where do you think you get those pesky marketing calls, emails and smss from?. It is misuse but nothing compared to what a government official can do to you. Innumerable cases where a muncipal officer has leaked info to the police, who have investigated using their official capability and tried to extort money.
The original issue put up by the OP has 2 parts. One is the technical part where the foreign service provider has to comply with Govt. rules just as others have complied. No special treatment to any foreign entity. The other is the part where the citizens ensure that the Govt. appoints a proper authority to snoop and uses this authority with responsibility.