"When confronted with the issue of diminishing privacy online, some people respond with "I have nothing to hide... so it does not affect me."
What are some reasons that we should all be concerned about privacy and how concerned are you about online privacy?"
There are multiple reasons as to why we should all be concerned about privacy when it comes to the Internet. For one, just because someone has "nothing to hide" does not necessarily mean that they don't have information that they want to keep private. For example, not many people would feel comfortable with their e-mail being displayed publicly, or their address to their home. Just because the information that is available isn't controversial does not mean that people want it given to the public. Another reason we should be concerned is the amount of control that the government possesses over people's way of connecting whether its phone calls, social media, or e-commerce sites. In the documentary, "Terms and Conditions May Apply" there were various scenarios in which individuals posted a status on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter that resulted in investigations into their private lives by federal officials; all over a tweet. The law enforcement defends themselves by saying that they are just trying to protect the country; however, one must ask is the secret service interrogating a seventh grade boy taking it a little too far?
I never really thought in depth about online privacy until watching the documentary "Terms and Conditions May Apply". I have always been aware of what I post on social media. I do remember when I was applying to college and everyone in my class was changing their Facebook names so college officials could not find them. I thought this was foolish, but I did try it myself; and no matter what I changed my name to, as soon as I typed in Francesca Genello my Facebook page was the first option that appeared on Google. At the time I thought nothing of it. But now looking back I realize that in no way could I delete what was put online. Its frightening to admit but I do agree with most of the people featured in the documentary, that privacy is dead.
The video "Terms and Conditions May Apply" was eye opening. The investigations into peoples private lives based on a series of words that they had posted was almost disturbing. The fact that they were conducting criminal investigations based on words that people would type in, or post because they could be threats was crazy. It makes me wonder... How many of these investigations turn out to be worth their while?
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you mention the name changing thing on facebook. Fortunately, I went to a boarding school since the age of 14 and we had always been very conscious of what we had been putting online. It had been drilled into our heads that what we put online is public for colleges and business, but I guess not many people take that seriously. I have always heard of people who try to do that, but wasn't sure if it was actually true. I like that you use to word "foolish" to describe it, because I completely agree. Thanks for sharing!
I also didn't really think about privacy policy until i saw that documentary. It was eye opening and truly scared me to be honest. I didn't know what looks as simple as checking off a box could be so complex and scary. It makes me want to read every policy out there. But if one doesn't agree what the policy saids what are the other alternatives? It doesn't make any sense to me at all.
ReplyDeleteLike others I didn't think about privacy policies in depth until "Terms and Conditions May Apply". I agree with what you said about being careful about what I post on social media but no one warned me about the terms and agreements or privacy policies. I think there are is a reason why the agreements are so grandiose, they don't want us to see what's in them!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very insightful write up and I agree with most everything you have posted. Unfortunately for some people, most information posted online is there indefinitely so that is extremely unfortunate for those who at a younger age may have posted incriminating photos or statuses about themselves online. While many people may not currently have anything to hide, surely if you dig deep enough there can be something that is rather embarrassing from all our pasts. I agree with your points on moderation as well. I'm all for providing security to those around us but when it comes to police investigating a young boy about a post on social media that is clearly taking it too far. I think going forward I will certainly not forget the "Terms and Conditions May Apply" documentary and carefully consider what, if anything, I post.
ReplyDeleteThe video also made me really think about internet privacy. Like you said it goes beyond Facebook, addresses and other things are all on the internet. It is concerning to think that all this information can become public so easily. It is also interesting just how hard it is to hide Facebook information. I think from now on I will take the idea of "Terms and Conditions May Apply" more seriously.
ReplyDeleteI usually don't think about my privacy online but the video really made me think things over. It is scary to think how many people may be out there checking private stuff about you, meanwhile you think all is well. Though there is no way to be a hundred percent safe, watching videos that educate me about the subject help me be more careful when it comes to social media information.
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