30 July 2010: SEQ: The great go card beat up

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 July 2010

SEQ:  The great go card beat up

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the over top reaction to an old issue, the fact that a go card travel history can be accessed by law enforcement agencies is a non event.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Conditions of use of the go card clearly indicate that TransLink may be required to disclose personal information to third parties, such as such as law enforcement agencies (1)."

"The hysterical reaction to an old issue just highlights why people need to assume some responsibility for their actions and before they commit to anything actually be informed and take the time to note the conditions of use, not only for a go card but any financial transaction."

"To further highlight the absurd nature of the beat up, go card users do have a rather simple choice to register or not register the card.  A non registered go card can not be associated with an individual. If someone is overly concerned they can chose not to register their go card.  They had also better stop using mobile phones, stop driving a car if they do, don't use any electronic banking tools and probably would be wise to give the internet the flick as well.  Walking around the CBD, travelling on public transport and visiting major shopping centres and sporting venues is also out."

"The reality is as a community we are constantly monitored, not directly generally but indirectly so that should there be a reason such as a missing person investigation, serious crimes and the like, time might be saved in sorting an urgent issue and investigations might be facilitated."

"To clarify any doubt in users' minds the TransLink privacy policy should be updated to spell out personal information includes a travel history."

Reference:

1.  http://www.translink.com.au/privacy.php

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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