Super search engine Google continues to play a key role in this, having established itself as a treasure trove of information at the click of the mouse. In 2007, the search engine developed the Google Street View, a technology that offers panoramic views of streets and routes of towns and cities around the world from various positions while travelling on foot or by car. However, as with most innovations, there is a downside to this Google offering, a frightful one at that. The trouble with the Google Street View is that compiling the maps entails filming that can result in an unwelcome invasion of privacy and a dangerous infringement of security at both the individual and national levels. This necessarily entails violation of trespassing laws and transgression of national security on a worldwide scale. The implications are simply petrifying. Let us keep in mind the fact that the US uses what is known as private security contractors in the pursuit of its global goals. Uncle Sam’s programme to police the world began with the Truman Doctrine in 1947, when the US used economic and military aid to prevent Greece and Turkey from falling into the Soviet sphere. The programme continues today in the name of war against terror in which the co-operation of Botswana has been secured by means of assistance in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Though government spokesman, Jeff Ramsay, says Google’s activities will be closely monitored during filming to prevent trespassing and security transgressions, we warn that the threat posed is real. In the US itself, people have petitioned the courts with complaints that Google snatched their computer passwords and usernames.
Thank you Zambia
Sunday night was a historic moment when Zambia broke the dominance of West and North African countries by lifting their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations. After South Africa, Chipolopolo became only the second side to win the 55-year old tournament. The Zambians are not a team laden with star players, but are a star team with loads of determination. The first tournament for the Zebras was an eye opener, hence the early exit is perhaps understandable. The Zebras can adopt the same approach, given the similarities with the Zambian squad. To Zambia, the victory should close a painful chapter since that fateful night in 1993 when the country’s entire squad perished off the coast of Libreville, just kilometres from the jubilant scenes of Sunday. Thank you Zambia. You have inspired a region and the whole continent has taken note.
