CPSC 110-08: Computing with Mobile Phones

Reading: Blown to Bits, Chapter 2
Due: Monday 10/24 (before class)

Required Textbook

We will use Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion by Abelson, Ledeen, Lewis for reading assignments about the digital revolution. You are required to acquire this book, either by purchasing it or by downloading PDF copies of its chapters.

Reading Assignment

Read Chapter 2 of Blown to Bits (50 pages). This chapter describes the various ways in which or personal privacy is compromised by the digital explosion.

Reading Questions

Post answers to the following questions on a Portfolio page.

  1. What's an RFID tag and what does it do?

  2. What's an EDR and what does it do?

  3. Is it possible to identify, say, a patient, knowing just his or her gender, birthdate, and zip code? Explain.

  4. What's the difference between "big brotherism" and "littel brotherism"?

  5. In 1 or 2 sentences, are you worried about your privacy? We'll discuss this in class.

Portfolio

Your answers to the above questions should be recorded on a new portfolio page. Name it "Blown to Bits, Ch2" or something similar.