Privacy, Online & Off

 Privacy

Privacy both online and off is a concern that we should take seriously because it affects all of us in some way. Our private information is being shared across multiple platforms without our knowledge. However, because we as the users are consenting to their unrealistic terms, companies continue to be protected while the users become the victims. Our personal information being shared personally affects my friends, family, and myself because our information becomes public to third parties and targeted advertisers without our control. Our personal information is being sold, manipulated, and used for an indefinite period. The amount of breaches with personal information continues to rise while greedy companies continue to expose personal information with minimal to no repercussions.

Our government needs to create stronger laws to protect consumers and users which limits the amount of information that can be gathered and how it is shared. However, the government is also part of the problem as they abuse the power of gathering personal information themselves. Some may argue that gathering information by our government can be for the greater good, but gathering and holding on to private citizen's information indefinitely and without their consent is problematic. 

Companies and individuals need to be held accountable. Stronger laws and heftier fines need to be set in place both locally and internationally which should include consequences such as jail time for misuse of personal information. Because the internet is used on an international level, international laws should also be in place to protect us. The burden should not be placed on the victim to face and address the many consequences and often legal fees. Surveillance features have proven that companies can not control who can gain access which leaves our information exposed. We need stronger protection of our personal information, heavier fines for companies that breach and violate these laws, and harsher penalties for individuals including jail time.

To protect ourselves, we should use encrypted emails and encrypted platforms for better security of our information. Adjust our cookie settings whenever possible, block and report suspicious activities, and teach our younger society to limit the amount of personal data that they share. We must also continue to make our voices heard by local policymakers and demand government enforcement and policy change.

The burden of having our private information protected should not fall on the user. Companies will continue to manipulate their power if we continue to be forced to accept their “take it or leave it” policies which we are often forced to do.