The concept of a "right to be forgotten" is one of the most dangerous threats to freedom in a long time and needs to be stopped now.
Throughout history as the world has changed, humans have had to adapt their behavior to fit new paradigms (Much as I hate to use that word I think it actually fits here) and this is one of those inflection points. With the right to be forgotten, we would implement one of the worst things that George Orwell described in 1984, the modification of history.
It's easy enough to change history on the net now, but at least caches and archives let us look back at what came before. Trying to eliminate that (regardless of the technical impracticality) is a bad move.
People need to be made aware that in this era of pervasive recording and communications, our actions have consequences both now and in the future. If you are afraid that nude photos could harm your future career path, don't take off your clothes. Don't have those last five drinks. Be aware and don't do stupid things that will embarrass you tomorrow or next year.
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Does a 'right to be forgotten' on the internet violate free speech?
We've all written or posted things on the internet that we've later regretted, whether it's a poorly thought-out comment on the front-page post of a tech website or a potentially scandalous photo…
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So someone's proposing that there should be a right for someone to make their online presence fall into the Rift In The Universe from Doctor Who (meaning they were never born and are erased from time & space)?
What would be the point exactly?
+Michael Gooderham they want to make the world think they never did or said anything stupid in their life
I'm assuming they can select specific things, then? The way I had it was that their entire online record was removed.
Since no one has actually passed a law yet, it could apply either way. There have been proposals to delete an entire online history while the Argentine case in the Verge article was over some specific photos. Either way, the whole concept is fundamentally flawed.
+Michael Gooderham in theory it's a measure to make things more the way they used to be. Back in the day, if somebody did something stupid it might make the local papers and then everybody would forget about it after a few days. Now things get immortalized on the internet, which can be easily referenced at any point in time.
I'm not actually sure which side of the fence I fall to on this issue. Will have to ponder some more now.
This is interesting, because if people would merely think ahead about possible repercussions, the "problem" wouldn't exist.
Yet another case of not taking personal responsibility.
What a shock.
BTW, I've been surfin' since around 1995. I regret nothing I've posted, EVER! If it was stupid/wrong, I'll own up to it.
+Kelly Bradley noted Internet good guy
I've gotta +1 +Michael Gooderham's nice comment about me, though it is semi-douchey…
Clearly we need this because freedom without responsibility leads to wonderful social outcomes, and the rich/powerful need more ways to manipulate the world to their favor.
/end sarcasm
I agree with +Kelly Bradley however, there are things I regret posting… Learned a life lesson afterwards though.