LONDON - The Internet and cell phones are blessing and bane, combining the enormous advantages of readily available information with dangerous alien invasion.

            A visit to London highlights the constant competition between freedom and repression, even with the world's oldest sizable representative system of government. The prevalence of freedom includes gross displays in the media. But vulgar license is only one dimension of a society where lively information and interchange seems to be everywhere.

            Concerning gross displays, the tabloid "News of the World" owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Group is accused of breaking the law by hacking into cell phones, a practice known as telephone tapping. According to "The Guardian" newspaper, Murdoch's firm paid approximately one million dollars to avoid news, settling three cases with victims without publicity.

            Andy Coulson, communications director for the Conservative Party, previously was the editor of "News of the World". The Conservatives understandably are working hard to minimize political fallout, currently through curt statements usually delivered with dismissive demeanor.

"Big Brother Is Watching You" was a pervasive propaganda punch line in British author George Orwell's classic novel "1984."

            Orwell, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, was also a committed socialist. Unlike many on the left today, however, he had powerful personal involvement with working people, including doing manual labor. His socialism stressed egalitarianism, while remaining hostile to concentrated state or corporate power.

            Britain has never had Big Brother, but effects of "Big Bang" deregulation of financial and other sectors under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s are profound. Thatcher's own heavy-handed style earned her the occasional sobriquet of "Big Sister," but her forceful opening of the economy continues to pay very positive dividends, even in recession.

            The telecommunications revolution was fundamental to successful transformation. London's geographic location is ideal for round-the-clock global trading, while capital overall has moved more quickly. A generally more open society mitigates class conflict and other rigid parochialisms.

            Labor Prime Minister Tony Blair in the 1990s had his own dramatic impacts on institutions, including ending the hereditary House of Lords and creating regional governments, but he generally left the marketplace alone. Traditional Labor socialism was replaced by a forward-looking pragmatism that won elections, at least during his tenure.

            However, some Blair government proposals are troubling. Among other initiatives, the prime minister tried to create a new national identity card for each citizen and to abolish judicial hearings for many generally petty crimes. Efficiency, always a priority with businesslike Blair, was used to justify disturbing expansion of government power. Fortunately, Parliament generally successfully resisted such efforts.

            A wit once said "1984" should really have been titled "1948", given the Stalin-style government portrayed. However, even democratic governments invade privacy, and the "News of the World" controversy reminds us that private as well as public power can menace freedom.

            The global growth of open markets and representative governments encourages complacency about abuse of power, public or private, which is dangerous. Murdoch's enormous commercial and financial success undeniably encourages emulation amid the major challenges facing traditional more responsible journalism.

            Conservative Party Leader David Cameron should address rather than avoid this subject, not primarily for partisan reasons but to reaffirm the principle of restraint of power. The traditional rule of law remains the core of our freedom. Cameron caution means beleaguered Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Labor just might win the next general election.

(Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. He can be reached at acyr@carthage.edu.)