Thoughts from an iPad

John Gruber:

Maybe the answer to the iOS address book situation is to require the user to grant explicit permission through a dialog box, but it’s not a slam-dunk decision. Every dialog box has a cost.

That’s one answer, sure. But I think you’re solving the wrong problem. I think theres an inherit flaw in how all of the APIs come together and the assumptions developers are allowed to make when it comes to privacy.

The only logical reason for you to take my knife from me is that you think I’m a terrorist. You’ll smile and shake your head at the dopey terrorist, and you’ll go tsk tsk, and then you’ll let me through to board my flight.

So, TSA, answer me this: why are you allowing suspected terrorists onto planes?

The problem with this is that you’ll never get your answer. I actually just wrote a paper about this in my current issues class. The TSA is one of America’s many security theaters. Perceived security, to make us feel safe. Because that’s all that really matters.

However, consider that someone who was a terrorist stole that knife from you. Then he is able to get on the flight without any issues, and maybe cause an even bigger panic than before. Food for thought.