[throw2016]

Given the widespread apologism and hand waving around Google, Facebook and others here this is hardly surprising. Decision makers shoulder the blame but what we are seeing from these revelations is rank and file tech folks are 'eager' and willing enablers.

Ethics is reduced to meaningless posturing if whenever it comes to action people have a litany of excuses on hand. In the case of surveillance whether its government or private its individuals empowering themselves at the cost of others not particularly burdened by the wider social ramifications.

It's a bit tragic that its only when without power that people talk of ethics and even with little power it seems self interest always rules. And discussions become pointless as it becomes impossible to tell how many will do differently.