> So the question is, why are you so concerned with the
> capture of data when the negative you present isn't
> on the capture side?
What's the point of splitting apart the capturing of the data and the storage of the data? Are you proposing that someone would build up all of this infrastructure and not store the data?
Here's a negative with the capture side though: it is another small step in the transfer of power from the hands of the people into the hands of the government.
1) Build a large infrastructure that allows you to view the activities of anyone, anywhere, but not anytime. You have to be viewing it in real-time, there is no storage mechanism.
2) Now that people are comfortable with cameras and listening devices everywhere, add a provision allowing storage with a 1 month time limit.
3) Now that people are comfortable with a 1 month time limit, increase it to 2 months.
...
n) Now increase it to n months.
Limit as n approaches infinity.
Note that every time some major terrorist event happens the politicians will add larger bumps (than the normal grind) to the retention limit.
> What's the point of splitting apart the capturing of the data and the storage of the data?
Because they are different. If the data is collected, but only kept for a period of time determined by some oversight committee, then where is the harm?
> it is another small step in the transfer of power from the hands of the people into the hands of the government.
So, you're arguing against even allowing warrants (which are handed out by the government)? Because if one branch can oversee warrants, they can also provide oversight on the other end as well.
I fail to see how the courts can oversee access to information that is stored on servers administered by law enforcement. With the number of things that go "missing" from evidence lockers, I'm not too hopeful.
Here's a negative with the capture side though: it is another small step in the transfer of power from the hands of the people into the hands of the government.
1) Build a large infrastructure that allows you to view the activities of anyone, anywhere, but not anytime. You have to be viewing it in real-time, there is no storage mechanism.
2) Now that people are comfortable with cameras and listening devices everywhere, add a provision allowing storage with a 1 month time limit.
3) Now that people are comfortable with a 1 month time limit, increase it to 2 months.
...
n) Now increase it to n months.
Limit as n approaches infinity.
Note that every time some major terrorist event happens the politicians will add larger bumps (than the normal grind) to the retention limit.