Not surprising; most don't even realize the impacts of basic web technology. But indeed, the obvious fact that Americans have far less privacy than they realize is interesting and important.
I am repeatedly reminded of Brin's "The Transparent Society" [0]. Given the breadth and depth of privacy violations that continue to progress in the US and elsewhere, it seems more and more likely that we will eventually face a choice "between privacy and freedom" as Brin predicts. Sadly, people do indeed remain unaware, and even the savvy aren't taking the issue seriously (read: radically) enough. I count myself among the lazy, but I'm happy to preach doom like the rest.
I am repeatedly reminded of Brin's "The Transparent Society" [0]. Given the breadth and depth of privacy violations that continue to progress in the US and elsewhere, it seems more and more likely that we will eventually face a choice "between privacy and freedom" as Brin predicts. Sadly, people do indeed remain unaware, and even the savvy aren't taking the issue seriously (read: radically) enough. I count myself among the lazy, but I'm happy to preach doom like the rest.
[0] http://www.davidbrin.com/transparentsociety1.html