Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Controversy

Last year, i bumped into an old acquaintance of mine, who is one of the renowned ENT specialists in New Delhi. After exchanging pleasantries with him, I asked for his visiting card, just in case I needed to consult him in future.

Very proudly he said, "Oh just google my name and you will get all my contact details.". I was impressed no doubt.

But today, when I read about the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica controversy, where the key issue is unauthorized access of Facebook user data by latter, I wonder if they deserve all such flak? Yes, no doubt unauthorized access of anyone's profile/contact details to serve political or commercial interests is ethically wrong, but then hasn't it been happening since ages, long before the advent of social media?

Let me be candid. How many of us on Facebook or any other social media site, have friends/contacts whom we have never met, and how many of us get a thrill from likes/appreciations to our pics and posts from such unknown friends/contacts?

Indo-Pak Relations

As per today's newspaper, Pakistani Envoy to India, who has been reportedly summoned by his government for consultations over the alleged inappropriate conduct by our agencies here, may not return soon.

Surely, if the newspapers reports are to be believed, our diplomats too have similar complaints with their Pakistani hosts, including the denial of membership to our High Commissioner at the prestigious Islamabad Club.

Well, the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan have been strained since the past seven decades, notwithstanding brief spells of 'monsoon showers' in between. And any expectation of a durable detente in our bilateral ties as of now seem nothing short of a wishful thinking.

But, the least we can do is to ensure is to observe all international norms with regard to treatment of their envoys, insisting on a full quid-pro-quo from Pakistan.

I am really amazed to hear stories from those who have visited Pakistan, with regard to the love and affections showered on them by Pakistani citizens. Especially, if they come to know that the ancestors of those visiting Indians hailed from Pakistan.

We Indians too reciprocate such gestures, especially to visiting Pakistani sportsmen and artists.

Then, why such bitterness at the other levels?