Tanya Rider's Story

On this page, you will read a story that shows how complex privacy issues can be and learn about the massive expansion of digital information.

  1. Read Blown to Bits pages 1-4. As you read, be prepared to discuss the following:
    • According to the authors, what are some things that have changed as a result of computers?
    • What do the authors mean by "explosion of bits"?
  2. Police couldn't access Tanya Rider's records because of her right to privacy. Is there a way to make a policy that preserves one's right to privacy and also makes sure a person like Tanya Rider gets rescued? Write down three arguments for each of the following positions.
    • Position A: The right to privacy isn't just an abstract principle. Sometimes for example, people disappear to hide from people who might hurt them. When a person is reported missing, the police can't assume that's the whole story; they have to follow the rules even if that delays some rescues. Also, maybe that person is trying to avoid the police!
    • Position B: The police should be able to check the location of a phone right away to search for a missing person, perhaps with a rule that they can't use the information for any other purpose, or disclose it to anyone, without permission from a court.
    Is there a third policy that protects everyone's needs?
  3. Why was there a delay in using cell phone records to locate the lost person, Tanya Rider?
    The technology to trace cell phone records was not yet available.
    There was a legal and privacy issue regarding access to her cell phone records.
    The cell phone records were accidentally deleted.
    The police did not consider cell phone records as a reliable source.