Travis Charbeneau

According to freelance writer and futurist Travis Charbeneau, technological advances in information and genetic technology are raising new privacy concerns over such issues as health and financial information. At the same time, he contends, society is becoming less judgmental about issues that were once considered extremely private, such as homosexuality, making privacy less essential. Charbeneau argues that institutional reform can eliminate the need for privacy on many issues. These changes, along with software, can adequately protect privacy.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is “Carnivore,” as cited by the author"

2. According to the author, what are three previously private issues that have become more publicly acceptable"

3. What does Charbeneau consider the most effective pathway toward guaranteed privacy"

In 2000 the federal government introduced us to “Carnivore,” a not-so-reassuringly-named software utility that dragnets...