Cash For Clunkers Becomes Big Brother

Cars.gov Website Provides Complete Access

Aug 12, 2009 Victoria Nicks

Accepting the terms of service on the Cars.gov website opens up a computer to complete access by the government.

Cash for Clunkers is a government program that offers consumers money to bring in a vehicle that is not very fuel efficient, and buy a new, and more efficient, vehicle. While the program appears to offer positive results for car manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers, there is a darker side to this opportunity. Using the website, and agreeing to the disclaimer, allows the United States Federal Government Big Brother-like access to all uses of the computer used to access the Cars.gov website.

Background of the Cash for Clunkers Program

The Cars Allowance Rebate System, also known as CARS, or Cash for Clunkers, is a program that was signed into law in June of 2009. This program offers several thousand dollars for the return of inefficient vehicles, when purchasing a new car. The inefficient vehicles that are returned through this program are destroyed, to ensure that they are not resold or reused. This program is intended to boost new car sales, as well as improving the fuel economy of cars on the road by getting rid of cars that are less efficient.

Cars.Gov Disclaimer

During the course of applying for Cash for Clunkers benefits, the applicant must agree to a disclaimer, which comes up in a warning box on the computer. The disclaimer is to notify the consumer or dealer that using CARS, results in that computer becoming property of the US Federal Government.

Using the CARS system gives the US government full access to any computer used in the access. This includes copying, intercepting, or monitoring any files stored on the computer, recording of websites visited, calls made, emails sent, or any other activity accomplished using that computer.

The disclaimer used by the Cars.gov system is extremely broad. In fact, they refer to, "Any and all uses" of the computer, and note that the information can be accessed by anyone they deem worthy, whether foreign or domestic. In addition, the disclaimer allows the US government to interact in any necessary way with the information, from monitoring and tracing activity, to copying files and intercepting communications.

Protect Privacy by Avoiding Cars.gov

In order to protect privacy, consumers should be aware of the ramifications of this new policy. This is a perfectly legal way for the United States Government to monitor private communications. Citizens that agree to the terms of service are giving away their privacy with a single click of the mouse.

First, avoiding the cars.gov website entirely is wise. However, those who do visit the cars.gov website should not agree to the terms of service, in order to protect privacy and personal information. If it is necessary to visit the site, and to access the program, consider using a public computer. Most public libraries provide computers and Internet access, which allows consumers to research the cars.gov website, or apply for the program, without giving up private information, or giving out access to a personal computer.

For more information, watch the following video from Glenn Beck's segment on the Cash for Clunkers website.

The copyright of the article Cash For Clunkers Becomes Big Brother in Law, Crime & Justice is owned by Victoria Nicks. Permission to republish Cash For Clunkers Becomes Big Brother in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Big Brother Is Watching

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Comments

Aug 12, 2009 1:53 PM

Guest :

Would you care to explain how using the website allows your computer to be taken over by the government?

Does it force you to install an extension that gives US agencies a backdoor?

Aug 12, 2009 3:12 PM

Guest :

That really stinks! I can't believe they can do that, legally! Wow.

2 Comments