“But our expectations need to change, too – especially our view of what constitutes a compromising or embarrassing digital trail. Maybe this high degree of openness will lead, not to a lot of red-faced adults in 10-20 years, but a lot less hypocrisy much sooner.”
Rob Cottingham, “CBC News – Consumer Life – Teens too open online: privacy watchdog“, Oct 8th, 2009
I haven’t been able to influence Dennis Howlett or Thomas Otter into making clear arguments that supports their accusations, let along clear accusations, so here I will try to do that first step for them:
Scoble broke the law by sharing our personal data with Plaxo.
Dennis Howlett and Thomas Otter recently made serious accusations against Robert Scoble, explicitly stating that he has broken European Union law. They both use very strong language, no if, maybes, buts about it. Both have responded to my article. Unfortunately, to my frustration they continue to level these accusations without clear arguments and focus — arguments relying on quotes without legal context, colorful prose, but no reference of legal precedent. How such polarized positions and accusations suit their own interests is plain, but both have unmet responsibility to clearly present such serious accusations.
Literally, throw the book at him!
Robert Scoble titled a recent article “Scoble is an EU lawbreaker, blogger says“, the accusation the title speaks to his because Robert used a tool to record information that his contacts had shared with him.
Dennis Howlett claims “under EU law, it’s also illegal” based on Thomas Otter “[nailing] it” — if nailing means taking the back roads and maybe not even arriving at your destination. Neither make a a clear argument, legal or otherwise, of what Robert did wrong.
What other reason is there for me to share my email address with Robert in Facebook than the hope that he will record it in his address book and email me. Robert, you missed my 30th birthday in December!