Facebook, MySpace, Bebo: Surely the Government have better things to do?

After reading The Times and other news related press, I was rather astonished to read the following headline.

Facebook, Bebo and MySpace 'to be monitored by security services'

Is this an example of our nation going mad? Or is Facebook and the social networking domain becoming such a central core to our daily routines and lifestyles?

I see it as both. Rather than monitoring social networking sites, I believe our Government should emphasise their strategies for those situations which 'should' carry greater importance. An example of such naturally the present recession. Rather than outlining plans and policies to counteract and support the UK in this time of trouble, some obviously think social networking poses a greater threat.

"Social networking sites, such as MySpace or Bebo, are not covered by the directive. That is one reason why the Government is looking at what we should do about the intercept modernisation programme because there are certain aspects of communications which are not covered by the directive."

Not only is it an infringement on privacy, it is proof that we adopting a 'big brother' philosophy. Of course, many people have loved 'nosying' on Facebook profiles since it first became established and are the Government merely following suit...having a nosy?

"If national governments and law enforcement organisations truly believe that online criminals and international terrorists don’t know how to hide their online traces, then we have a bigger problem than we thought."

Or is it becoming much more serious to social security? Users of social networking sites always have to be cautious. It's like giving someone a key. A key to your life, enabling them to look around like a trespasser would. Only the user is giving them permission by enabling this. Considering this is one of the few modes of communication not covered in legal directives, maybe the Government feel as though they are missing out? Missing out on a desire to be all controlling...

Every reaction requires a prior stimulus, and it makes one intrigued as to what intelligence is out there that poses social networking as a threat.

"Nail in my hand. From my creator. You gave me life now show me how to live."
- Chris Cornell (Audioslave - "Show Me How To Live")

Article Source: The Times, March 25, 2009. "Facebook, Bebo and Myspace 'to be monitored by security services'". http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article5973731.ece