Scientific American, November, 1995

Rights of Privacy

Technology has its eyes on you

But the search for personalization in a high-tech world may create an uncomfortable situation in the global village. Villages are safe places but not very private ones. Mrs. Grundy, peering from behind her lace curtains, did stop housebreakers. but she also tried to halt many other things of which she disapproved. There are signs that Grundyism is returning to Britain.

For those who have neglected their education: 1798 Theater --- "Speed the Plough" by English playwright Thomas Morton, 34. "Be quiet, wull ye [says farmer Ashfield]. Always ding, dinging Dame Grundy into my ears-What will Mrs. Grundy say? What will Mrs. Grundy think?" DCF