Cyber Attacks - Clinton and Google Respond

So Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calls for Internet freedoms, inquiry into cyber attack at Google. Which I think is a noble idea, in theory. Recently, China announced that it was opening up the Internet highway to it's citizens via the acceptance of Google.

Right..excuse me If I do not jump up and clap like everyone else.

I'll believe that when I see it. I noticed many kudos given on facebook at this announcement where I first heard of it. People were just full of happy thoughts. I kept my comments to myself because I just didn't want to break anyones bubble by being the one cautionary pessimist..... or is that realist?

You know the "yeah right person, I will believe it when I see it ."

Why would China want access? It is such a controlled society. Have they all of the sudden decided to throw the baby out with the bath water? Oh wait they do that to their innocent baby girls. But I digress, they have spent generations of 'educating' their people on government propaganda. The very idea of extending a branch of the great tree of knowledge, Google is a joke.

Think...

What does allowing China access to Google do for them? It allows them to move unfettered amoung us to collect data, and that is exactly what they have in mind. So having invited Google to come partake of the Chinese market may look to the average person like progess, but to many of us who look a little closer at Internet security.

I say stop the bus!

Which is exactly what is happening now. Thank-you, Google.

From The Washington Post

Mrs. Clinton is quoted as saying, "We look to Chinese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the cyber intrusions that led Google to make this announcement," she said. "We also look for that investigation and its results to be transparent."

You knew that was coming? Right?

I love it when they use the word, 'transparent' in government. It is such an oxymoron. To some it means they will get all the facts. To me, it is diplomacy speak for "nothing, nada, not a chance."

Clinton said, "Cyber attacks, a form of censorship by some governments, should be punished." Call me old fashion, but I consider countries who attack others govenment's agenies, from the Department of Interior to the White House, and their Internet infrastructures an act of Cyber-Terrorism, if not WAR. They do not deserve to play in the playground with the other kiddies with unrestricted use of the Internet. They have to earn the trust. Why make cyper-spying any easier on China?

Clinton goes on to say, "countries or individuals that engage in cyber attacks should face consequences and international condemnation." She goes on to said. "By reinforcing that message, we can create norms of behavior among states and encourage respect for the global networked commons."

"Condemnation"...Oooh that hurts, not really, and you and I know it.

Her speech, however, was broader in scope than the Google incident. She outlined principles that address technology and diplomacy. She said freedom of speech, over Twitter, Facebook and other applications, was vital for people to gather information and spread information, (like a virus), as seen on the ground in Iran after elections sparked demonstrations. She said the freedom to assemble translates to the ability of people to connect over the Web.

Do you really want to reach out and touch everyone?

Hold the bus here. Wow, if we lived in a perfect world where everyone had good intentions and played fair, why this fairy tale statement would apply. But the truth is we don't. Disinformation is sometimes more important and damaging that the truth, just like corrupting a database. It has always been a part of any communication from any government. Check your history books, if you don't believe me.

I say, let the Chinese prove they are worthy of "the circle of trust." Oh and don't hold your breath!

(Note: Mother Ducks foot is on the neck of one of her babies...)

Remember if it walks like a Peking Duck, acts like a Peking Duck, it is still Chinese and it probably has a virus.