Recently, while I was happily browsing through my photo collection by means of the new Ashampoo Photo Commander, checking out its latest new features and reviewing the 812 photos from my trip to England, I noticed that I had taken way too many shots. I began to ponder over the age old question of where I had taken each photo. Was it Southampton? And what was the name of that quaint spot in Wales with the beautiful church again? Did I ever know that? Finally, I was helped by something I had ignored for years - the Exif data contained in my photos.
When I was young, there was a TV show called "That's your life". A more or less famous person stat in a studio while the host held a book and read out details about various stages of his or her life. Every now and then, an old companion would come rushing in, hug the guest and start chatting about past events. Google has something similar to offer to all of us - and I'm still vacillating between fascination and trepidation.
I like to be security-conscious, it's part of my job. When you read about security leaks and computer virus infections every day, it becomes an automatism. Yet, I dislike paranoia and I still believe the best security advisor to be sitting between each user's ears. That's why I haven't taped over my webcam yet. It seemed overcautious - and then HE appeared. HE got me thinking.
As a computer scientist, you're constantly faced with English expressions. That's why I didn't waste much time thinking about how to communicate during my vacation in England. My girlfriend even suggested that we help the elderly among our tour party with any translations, if need be. Sure, you've got to help where you can... It was on the ferry to Dover that my deep confidence was rattled.
Picture this, a politician is giving a speech in front of a large audience. Immediately afterwards, he receives applause and encouraging words but also boos, backtalk and mockery. You look around to see who's causing the fuss - and see abunch of robots. What sounds like eerie science fiction has already become reality on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and many other sites. Software created for political manipulation and to sell goods or spy on you? Yes, it's already on the market!
