End User Privacy and Policy-Based Networking

Abstract

Are privacy concerns over end user surveillance by network operators such as AT&T and Verizon, and by “edge providers” such as Google and Amazon, being dangerously overshadowed by the predominant emphasis on government surveillance? Quite possibly so, Professor Paterson concludes, after reviewing currently-used packet analysis technologies and their advertised capabilities. Paterson concludes that the problem faced by privacy and public interest advocates is that no one has a truly comprehensive grasp of how widely network operators have deployed such tools, what information is collected, or how it is put to use. Paterson asserts that the potential risks call for additional vigorous research in this area.