The recent Wikileaks scandal has proven that privacy online is a serious problem that matters to users, businesses and even the government, raising questions about our electronic footprints in cyberspace and the data we share without too much care. It is easy to wonder about our security in the web if even the US government with “the most protected database" and the best technology available is a victim of this, so how can you feel safe browsing and providing information, buying a book on Amazon, or making a payment online?....It seems that users should not be naive or "dumb f…" as said by Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg some time ago:
Zuck: I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS
[Redacted Friend's Name]: What? How'd you manage that one?
Zuck: People just submitted it.
Zuck: I don't know why.
Zuck: They "trust me"
Zuck: Dumb fucks.
[Redacted Friend's Name]: What? How'd you manage that one?
Zuck: People just submitted it.
Zuck: I don't know why.
Zuck: They "trust me"
Zuck: Dumb fucks.
If Facebook CEO, and founder of one the most popular social networks, where millions of people share their private information every day, has this attitude toward privacy, there is too much to be concerned about our safety and privacy rights when using the web.
Our information can be used for different purposes and we do not know the extent and the limits of it. For example, Google uses people’s search criteria to adapt advertisement based on web searches, interests, tastes and geographic locations. However the use of information can go beyond, as Google had to admit that it "screwed up" in collecting individuals' emails via WiFi networks, and the revelation that a Google engineer was fired for snooping on underage teenagers' messages. It is scaring that users’ behaviors are been used for such purposes, invading individual’s confidentiality.
Even if the purpose is to use data for marketing strategies to help companies to track preferences in order to develop more attractive products, the access to this information should be approved by the users in some way. Otherwise this would be as giving personal information to a total stranger about likes and dislikes, and what is even worse, sometimes the most sensitive personal information.
Although the FTC is trying to regulate and protect the consumer, the current regulations are very unclear and cannot be properly enforced. In the short run legislation will not provide the necessary actions needed to protect the consumer personal information, as it is stated by reporter Bianka Bosker in her article “Why The FTC's Online Privacy Plan Won't Stop The Information Free-For-All".
At the end the best advice for users would be to behave online as it would be in public, as well as thinking more than once when sharing information in the web because it does not make sense to close the door in your house if you open your personal information on a computer.
All internet users have to always be careful on what they disclose and where they disclose it, as this might potentially be harmful, since you don't know how where your personal information wil be used. I like you comment "the best advice for users would be to behave online as it would be in public", but unfortunately not everyone will oblige to do so, hence, I believe that some regulations need to apply. But, the user should always have the choice on what to disclose.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that not all internet users take the necessary precautions in order to protect themselves from the dangers when it comes to their privacy that exist in the internet. Users must properly and efficiently utilize the tools at their disposal in order to stop individuals and companies that are out to make a profit out of selling their information to the highest bidder. We must protect ourselves and make an attempt to prove Mark Zuckerberg wrong!
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ReplyDeleteYou brought up some very interesting examples that clearly illustrate the issues surrounding online privacy, such as Zuckerberg's attitude toward all the Facebook users who have given him an immense amount of information. I wholeheartedly agree with you when you state that access to consumer's information should be approved by the consumers themselves. After all, not everyone likes to be followed around by marketers.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we must also recognize that the issue is not as simple as it may seem. There are some benefits to behavioral advertising, such as having advertisements that are interesting to the web user, rather than just general advertisements. Also, behavioral advertisements bring in much-needed revenue for sites that offer free services. Furthermore, it is important to note that the "Don't Track Me" mechanism does not mean opting out of advertising completely. Advertising is part of the economic model of the internet, and will always be.
However, it is still creepy to think that someone is following me on the web. It's as if someone were following me into each and every store of the mall I visit, and reading over my shoulder to see what book I am interested in while at the bookstore. Creepy, huh?
Furthermore, I disagree with you when you state that "legislation will not provide the necessary actions needed to protect the consumer's personal information." Companies have failed to act quickly enough, therefore, the FTC has stepped in and they have done so considering both sides of the argument: the marketers who want to target their advertisements in an effective manner and the consumers who are concerned (or should be concerned) about their privacy. So far, we have lengthy, complex privacy disclosures that people do not even read, and those who do read them may have trouble understanding what they mean. On the other hand, the "Do Not Track" legislation will be simple and easy to use. Also, violators should be fined to "provide a strong incentive for companies to comply with any legal requirements, helping to deter future violations."
The FTC is finally stepping it up. Let's give them the opportunity to make a difference in the online world of dummies and smarties.