TROJAN HORSE REDUX . . .

As we follow the case of the Lower Merion School District computer webcam litigation, an interesting (and scary) thought occurs; what if the Court finds in favor of the school district? Yes, it would save the taxpayers money but it would also have the effect of saying that it’s OK for a governmental agency to spy on innocent citizens without a warrant, so long as they have a good reason (“we want to be able to find lost/stolen computers”).

“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” the aphorism goes, with reference to the Trojan Horse with which Troy was ultimately defeated. In this case, we need to beware of a government bearing gifts – computers. I am thrilled that the school district saw the future and wanted to make sure every student could use a computer. I am less than thrilled at the prospect that a court could find for the school district and allow such snooping when there appears to be a “compelling governmental interest” in doing so.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILENCE.