Fading data could improve privacy

[cory777]

Source: BBC

Privacy could be enhanced if data was allowed to fade, suggests research.

Dutch researcher Dr Harold van Heerde is looking into ways to gradually "degrade" the information that sites gather about visitors.

Slowly swapping details for more general information can help guard against accidental disclosure, he said.

"There are so many weak points in security that you can never be sure that your data is safe," said Dr van Heerde.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/10324209.stm

[EverHopeful]

1. sounds like what Vanish is working on

http://vanish.cs.washington.edu/

[RC]

2. Depends on where this happens. The Revisionist History folks will love this.

This is another of those "Be Careful What You Wish For" items. Not such a good idea. :thumbsdown:

[DJ13]

3. Any bets media co.'s would use that on music downloads?

They've been complaining since the CD was introed that because digital music didnt degrade like cassettes and records they were losing money on repurchases.

[Trillo]

4. I read one about "fading money"

It was some decades ago, probably in the 80s, maybe earlier, in a newspaper article. The idea was perhaps similar to derivatives.

Curiously, the article also mentioned alternative economic systems, such as one hour of labor being equal for everyone, no matter your job title.