A powerful government agency recently demanded that Apple give it access to encrypted customer data. When Apple's management refused, the company was compelled to face a closed-door hearing to decide the matter. Which government are we talking about? No, not China or Russia or even Iran. The Home Office of the United Kingdom is demanding direct and unprecedented access to private data. George Orwell must be turning over in his grave.

As I’m writing this, the result of that hearing is not yet known, but the fact that it was conducted in secrecy should give every citizen of the UK (and the world) cause for concern.