In the 24th episode of the X-Files, producers introduced the new tagline – “Trust No One.”
If I’m revealing my inner geek here, so be it. But I was thinking about this tagline this morning after reading a story about a new app that developers claim can prevent eavesdropping. Certainly perfect timing considering the latest news that the National Security Agency has been running an unconstitutional surveillance scheme on U.S. citizens for the past six years.
The app, which is called Seecrypt, boasts the ability to protect cell phone users from having their texts and calls monitored. The company behind Seecrypt says that the system uses a globally recognized encryption that can protect your calls anywhere in the world.
Sounds enticing, I must admit. But it’s hard to ignore the wise words penned by the creators of the X-Files – Trust No One.
I must admit, I find it hard to believe that the makers of Seecrypt have figured out a way around one of the most aggressive and illegal surveillance programs ever created. I’m just not sure that I buy the claim that $3 a month will protect me from a hundred-billion-dollar surveillance system created, maintained and perfected by global elites over the course of the past few decades.
Moreover, how do I know that Seecrypt isn’t just another FBI or CIA setup designed to accelerate surveillance activities on those who sign up for this thing?
While I certainly appreciate any effort that can enable us to secure whatever remains of our right to privacy, I have no way of knowing whether or not Seecrypt is legit. Of course, I’m not expert on encryption technology nor do I personally know the folks behind this app. Maybe the whole thing is on the up-and-up. I just don’t know. But here’s the thing. . .
If the government can force a mega-corporation like Verizon to “comply,” I doubt Seecrypt has the muscle and connections to do anything different. So if or when the NSA comes knocking, what’s to keep Seecrypt developers from handing over their records, too?
Here’s more. . .
