• Avid Amoeba@lemmy.ca
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    7 hours ago

    Ports of entry to the U.S. have access to a centralized database that collects information on criminal convictions in both Canada and the U.S., Global Affairs Canada says. The database also includes information on previous denials at border crossings.

    • Troy@lemmy.caOP
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      7 hours ago

      I mean, our courts publish proceedings. Wouldn’t be hard to assemble a database from that info.

      The accuracy of such a database (particularly when interpreted by an AI) would be hugely suspect. Also, hard to argue with a database when you’re at the border being detained – the guy detaining you didn’t create the database.

      Whole thing reeks.

      • Avid Amoeba@lemmy.ca
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        7 hours ago

        Agreed on all points.

        Writing something down has an interesting psycholigical effect. It increases the legitimacy of the words, even if they’re exactly the same as spoken. Someone made the effort, did the labour to write that down - wow - must be worth at least that much more than spoken word. Someone wrote down a whole lot of things in a collection - a database. All of a sudden the burden to argue with it jumps through the roof. It’s interesting.

        • Troy@lemmy.caOP
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          7 hours ago

          On the flip side, I like that our courts publish proceedings. If we’re having an open and transparent society, and we want to trust in our institutions, then this transparency is required. An conundrum, to be sure.