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Intel Wants You! Big brother is watching. He's already gotten to Homer Simpson. Is your PC next? PC processor mogul Intel announced plans last week to embed all of its new chips, which will be included in the Pentium IIIs, with an electronic personal identification number to make it easier to identify specific computers in any transaction online. The move is meant to increase online security, as part of Intel's vision of the future. What a wonderful world. In a recent speech at the RSA Data Security Conference and Expo, Intel's Pat Gelsinger said Intel's vision is for a "trusted virtual world" and a "trusted connected PC." During the speech, Gelsinger used the word "trust" twenty-five times. These concepts are in addition to Intel's current marketing strategy, which includes the "trusted processor update ever two years or never play Quake again," and the "guaranteed to annoy product jingle." But some civil rights groups don't share Intel's vision of a virtual Utopia. Barry Steinhardt, associate director at the American Civil Liberties Union, called the development "worrisome" in an interview with PC World News. He also said, "It also provides another tool for marketers and data gatherers to collect information about individuals, and it could be a very powerful tool." The chips will have a serial number and develop a unique, personal identity by randomly generating numbers using thermal noise. So be good, for goodness sake. Intel was quick to point out that the feature can be disabled, but the chips will ship "on," leaving the user to figure out how to turn it off. Since most people don't even turn off balloon help on new computers, some are skeptical users will know how to turn the feature off, or even know it's there. Keep smiling, George. We'll get there yet. -Nick |
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