Talking about security,

In case you didn't see it, here's an interesting article on the current situation in Zimbabwe.

"HUMAN rights activists in Zimbabwe acknowledge the ennui that seems now to characterise regional and international response to developments in Zimbabwe. But South Africans and others should at least be able to feel sufficient indignation for a new proposal that potentially has direct implications for even those of us outside Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe authorities are proposing new legislation that will authorise it to spy on the private communications of its citizens. But given that these communications might be transmitted to, or originate from, people outside of the country, all of us entering into communications with Zimbabweans are at risk of surveillance. The recently published draft legislation is apparently to be fast-tracked for quick parliamentary approval."

Written by Nicole Fritz, director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) and Joshua Koltun is an SALC lawyer in Businessday

"To be fair, in many ways, Zimbabwe's proposed new law merely tracks legislation that has been introduced in countless countries, including SA. Governments worldwide are increasingly snatching greater powers of surveillance because, in the best interpretation, modern threats such as terrorism require them to do so, but more likely, and less nobly, because more sophisticated technology means they can.

Still, Zimbabwe is exceptional. While SA's equivalent law -- the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Related Information Act -- permits surveillance by government agencies, this may happen only under order of a court. Zimbabwe's proposed law will mean government agencies need only obtain government authorisation in order to spy."

Doesn't the law of the country where the server exists apply to all transactions?

I have this terrible scenario in my head for a movie.

i) internet snooping is allowed in zimbabwe, on ministarial signature

ii) crackers start working out of Zimbabwe

iii) as cracking is "legal", there is no recourse to the courts.

Should I give up my day job and write the novel?


Just as well the wonderful folks our hosts at vistapages.com are in canada. (I wouldn't be here without them!) At least that will take a bit of effort to close the server.

happy days
tm