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Comment by gondo | Hacker News Reader

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gondo·

Couple of ideas of top of my head:

- Think of the most embarrassing thing you've done, and now tell me about it

- Unlock and show me your phone so I can view all your messages, photos and apps

Now that we've established that you have something to hide, we can talk about where the line is.

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On that last sentence, I wouldn't say "something to hide". I like to think of it in terms of highlighting the difference between secret and private. There are lots of things that I'm not ashamed of, or protective of for the sake of my safety, but still have a totally valid desire to keep private. Going to the bathroom isn't secret, but it's still private.

"Something to hide" specifically makes sense in the context of the phrase "if you've got nothing to hide, you've got nothing to fear".

> Unlock and show me your phone so I can view all your messages, photos and apps

This sounds like a very hands on counter argument. I'm gonna use that the next time this comes up in conversation.

Then they'll say "but you're not the government, I trust the government bla bla"

I think that second retort that everyone says is so weak. People are trading their privacy for services not for nothing. Think how many people would actually give you their phone if you said you'd give them $20 or cleaned their house or something.

Give me your phone so I can make sure there isn't illegal porn on it. There, this is the real example of what's happening, and you're getting something out of it (taking pedos off the streets).

This is actually a pretty good idea.

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