[eu to tighten internet] in the interests of safety, of course

This blog doesn't usually follow the blogosphere method of taking an MSM story and adding the blogger's opinion but in this case it's going to fall in line. And not one graphic to be seen!

The topic – the BBC article on new EU anti-terror proposals:

The European Commission is proposing anti-terrorism measures that include the collection of extensive flight data and tighter internet laws.

This is the Chinese method of the packaging of concepts – for example, grouping laziness, loose morals and loose tongues in one easy to remember catch-cry.

Why the internet?

Under the plan, all 27 EU members would make recruitment, training and provocation to terrorism illegal ... The plan gives special attention to the internet.

Setting up web sites that encourage violence or explain how to make bombs would become a criminal offence.

Laudable aim and where are the limits to what is deemed acceptable? They're still trying to push this one?

The plan also focuses on air passenger data, requiring EU states to collect 19 pieces of personal information about people flying to or from member states. The information would include a phone number, e-mail address and payment details, and would be kept on file for 13 years.

Phone number, e-mail address and payment details? How will this stop terrorism? I ask merely for information. And why 13 years? Why not 12 or 14? Is there any significance to the number 13?

The collection of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data would bring the EU in line with the US, which introduced a similar scheme following the 9/11 attacks.

Ah, the old “bringing into line with” line. Like increasing service facility charges “in line with common business practice”.

This is a total w—k, I'm afraid. The question is whether they think people will buy this insult to the intellect or whether they just don't care anymore.