Privacy
"What goes on the Internet, stays on the Internet."
It's a saying we've all heard and know too well. We all have the right to have some secrecy about our personal information but unfortunately, any information or photos put on the Internet is always at risk of being revealed to the public. If you think that you have privacy on social media, well then think again. Internet privacy does not exist.
When you're shopping for new clothes, posting a picture on Instagram, or even talking to your friend about how you want to travel to Greece, your audience is much bigger than you think. Many third-party applications store and collect your data using what is called cookies. You probably noticed that most of the sites you visit often have a banner that says something along the lines of "this site uses cookies to better your experience" and then you have the choice to either accept the cookies or reject them. You can thank the Cookie Law for this one. In May 2011, the European Union created the Cookie Law, which is a privacy legislation that requires websites to get consent from its visitors to store information. Cookies assist with web tracking and ultimately with advertisements. So if you're browsing for cookie skillet recipes on the web, then don't be surprised if you start to see advertisements for cast iron skillets on your social networks like Instagram and Facebook.
Now, some people are starting to turn away from social networks out of fear that their private information is being viewed by more people than they like. In the next few years, we can expect to see more privacy concerns develop and more legislation on privacy issued.
I agree with your point that Internet privacy does not exist and whatever we post online will forever be there. It's quite astonishing, and honestly a little scary, when I get ads on Instagram and Facebook about something that I might have only talked about and not even looked up. It really makes you realize how far the lack of privacy is and that there might not actually be anyway to work around it.
ReplyDeleteWhile I knew what cookies were, I never knew that there was a law behind their accept/decline banner on sites. I think the idea behind the law – requiring consent for collecting data – is a good idea I feel like a lot of people still ignore it and just automatically click ‘yes’. I agree that a lot more people are becoming aware of privacy concerns and more legislation is going to be passed regarding this but companies should still try to be more transparent with the public over their privacy settings.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your point that privacy does not exist on the Internet. Companies are consistently building their marketing AI by taking cookies as you mentioned to gain user data in order to provide that best "online experience", which in my opinion is something that can be good with consent from users. Although most places don't notify in great detail they are doing so, I believe there is a chance for a balance to exist where a user can provide companies useful information, in return for optimized marketing.
ReplyDeleteHi Veronica, absolutely agree with the loss of privacy we are experiencing as a society. Unfortunately, I think that we are at the point of no return.
ReplyDeleteI did not have any social media accounts a year ago. However, when I started writing a resume knowing that I will be looking for a job as graduation near there wasn't a single person that did not ask me why I do not have a linkedin account. This is because the network effect has become so strong. When all of your friends are on Facebook and you are not, it feels like you are loosing out on something. Like you are not part of the group. So, I think that it will only get worst before it get better.