What if the hacking of mobiles phones and personal information had resulted in a serious abuse of power being uncovered?
As it happens the rather unsurpising revelation that tabloid newspapers pay private investigators to blag personal data and hack into voicemail accounts relates chiefly to celebrity gossip.
But what if these same methods were used to reveal major corruption or a serious crime, would they be justified then?
The test of freedom is not when it is used in pursuit of ends you approve of, but when it used to do something you deeply object to.
I find the amorality of tabloid journalsim repugnant. The hypocricy of journalists turning a blind eye to the theft of personal information and then moralising about the private behaviour of their targets in print turns my stomach.
But would I feel differently if these same methods were used in the pursuit of a higher purpose?
Robert 6:04 pm on 12 July, 2009 Permalink
Under labour liberty seems to be a word which means nothing, the media has caught on that everything is OK under a Labour government. I’m disabled today I’ve had my banking details checked, I’ve had personal information from my bins taken, we caught the chap going through our bin bags. I’ve been reported because I had a new Car, yes through Motability, yet I feel guilty.
I think if you know somebody is breaking the law go for it, but all this checking makes me feel less and less part of this country or part of the politics of this country.