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USA's crackdown on technology continues

17 July 2014

Earlier this week I wrote about the growing propensity for the US government to try and restrict the availability of technology to the general populace.

I highlighted the situations of 3D printers, drones and the like -- where increasingly draconian noises hinting at bans or licensing are being made on the grounds of "safety" or "security".

Well now the FBI has shown just how ridiculous this desire to disempower the people by restricting technology has become. They have now warned that driverless cars (a technology that Google is presently working hard on) could become lethal weapons.

Well guess what FBI? A length of wood, a brick or even a length of cling-film can be turned into a lethal weapon.

I do not know what they are smoking at the FBI but claims that "bad actors will be able to conduct tasks that require [the] use of both hands or taking one's eyes off the road, which would be impossible today".

Seriously?

The guardian speculates that "one nightmare scenario could be suspects shooting at pursuers from getaway cars that are driving themselves".

Have these people not heard of "getaway drivers?"

How does this "nightmare scenario" differ from having one of the crooks driving, while the rest of the offenders shoot through the back window of the vehicle at following police cars?

If this piece of paranoia on the part of the FBI isn't the height of stupidity I don't know what is.

Surely, if this argument is to be believed, we'll also have to ban vehicles from carrying passengers -- in case those passengers are simply onboard to shoot at police.

I honestly believe that rampant paranoia has now become so endemic within governments (certainly the US one) that their ability to act reasonably, rationally and in the best interests of the people who elect them is now severely compromised.

What's next?

Will running with scissors carry the death penalty?

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