quote:
Originally posted by CookieRevised
Identity theft is something which happens way more than someone reading what you write to someone. Heck, even take all those hotmail accounts which are hacked, aka password and identity stolen. ... Privacy issues don't begin with an ISP logging your chats for legit reasons.
Just because there are other things one should be concerned about (such as identity theft and account security) does not, in any way, shape or form, mean that people should not be concerned about privacy of their online communications. You are sending completely the wrong message there.
quote:
Originally posted by CookieRevised
Again, what on earth is so bad about the goverment knowing that you've chatted 2 hous with that girl?
First of all, it is quite simply not the government's business to know. They are not entitled. This is a matter of principle, not necessarily of practical consequence.
Secondly, there are many scenarios where existence of such logs is undesireable to an individual, which do not involve the individual breaking any laws. Let's take the example you like -- talking to your girlfriend -- and imagine that we are not talking about a 15-year-old, but rather a married man in the middle of a contested divorce. If it is well known that there are logs of electronic communications, a subpoena can be issued for those logs in a civil case.
quote:
Originally posted by CookieRevised
They who are concearned about their chat being logged (which nobody ever even wants to read in all honesty), should better worry about...
No. They should encrypt their communications, then worry about all the other things you mention.
quote:
Originally posted by andrewdodd13
I have a feeling (thought it's just a feeling) that it's unlikely that any ISP will passively log MSN conversations.
That is correct. The concern there would be about MSN logging and retaining conversations. The concern with ISPs is primarily email.
The original poster (nod32) has perfectly valid and warranted concerns. I think it is regrettable that instead of focusing on what
he can do to address those, majority of the responses are downplaying their significance.