Blog Post #5 Internet Privacy

   

 The debate between protection vs privacy has been around since the invention of surveillance technology. The issue with surveillance technologies is that when used properly they are very thorough and very invasive. Most people are under the impression that the internet only knows what you tell it. When considering the ethics of personal information being put on the internet it seems only fair that it be with the consent of the individual. Unfortunately, the thing that you intentionally make available on the internet is a very small part of how much it actually knows or thinks it knows about you. 

    Surveillance technologies track and catalogue everything it sees about you. The scary part is that you, or anyone for that matter, could have your information tracked without you ever knowing a thing. The thought gives you the same uneasy feeling as feeling like there is someone looking into your home from the window. Another scary thought is wondering how many lives could be ruined if someone were to hack into the database that holds highly sensitive information for tens of thousands of people. Identity theft, stolen credit card information, home addresses, etc. 

    The dilemma faced by law makers and security groups is that the more privacy you give, the less secure and protected you are from violent acts such as terrorist attacks or mass shootings. This split between the people’s demands for more privacy and the nation’s need for increased defense against terrorism has started what feels like a stalemate. Because of this stalemate it is up to us to find ways of protecting our own privacy. One effective option is using more heavily encrypted programs to protect your personal data.