The Ashimmy Blog: Delta steps into big brother role, do they belong there?

October 03, 2008

Delta steps into big brother role, do they belong there?

I for one was pleased to hear about Delta Airlines plans to start offering wi-fi access on domestic flights. I figured being a platinum medallion member there is a good chance I may even get access for free. I frankly was worried about security while logged on in the air. In a "closed" environment on the plane a malicious individual could play havoc with folks whose security settings may not be up to snuff. But what makes logging in on the plane any different than logging on at the airport?

Now comes reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and a follow up in ComputerWorld by Mike Elgan, that Delta will implement some sort of content filtering application to make sure that inappropriate web sites are not accessed while on the plane. This raises several issues in my mind. First of all what makes Delta the judge of what is appropriate or not. Second isn't it a bit imbecilic that they may prevent access to pornographic web sites, but have no problem with people running a porno DVD on their computer. If keeping smut off the plane is the goal, what difference does it make if it is via the web or on a DVD? Lastly, what happens when inevitably the filtering solution blocks a legitimate web site? If I paid for that access and was unable to access what I wanted and it was a legitimate site, is Delta going to refund my fees?

It seems to me that when Delta steps into the role of big brother and is going to regulate what I am allowed to see, I am having to conform to their views on what is normal. If I am paying my own hard earned cash, as long as it is legal, Delta should not have the right to filter me. I want to make my own decisions. I also think that this is a case where the market will take care of itself. Peer pressure will stop people from viewing smut on the plane better than Delta's big brother censors.