Online Privacy

In the advancement of our society through technology, there has been an ongoing conversation and debate about online privacy and critical data collection. Although technology has a multitude of benefits, it has become scary to live in a nation where civil rights are at risk and individuals have no privacy due to the lack of regulations. The United States government is continuously talking about national security as the reason for the files upon files containing personal data and the daily lives of Americans. Yet companies and government have allowed for the collection of sensitive data without realizing they aren't the only ones who can gain access to individuals private information. 

There is a lag within the advancement of technology as many websites and online platforms still do not contain the security that they should. I think it is important for major companies and government officials to not be able to get into our daily private lives, conversations, and even our locations. As this has made it easy for criminals and hackers to also obtain individuals sensitive information. I've personally been affected as apps that were deemed safe to use and downloaded by thousands of others once collected my personal information. My parents have also been affected by these privacy leaks in which has caused their banking information to be hacked even though those online companies promised the safety of the website. 

Another perspective on our online privacy as a society is a topic of electronic tattoos, talked about in the TedTalk by Juan Enriquez. In which our online life is forever permanent in a way that individuals must be careful of how they are perceived online as it may affect their personal and professional lives. Although, the innovation of technology and more specifically social media has brought a ray of positivity to the world as a way to share cultural and community. It is still used as a form of privacy communication between the government and individuals' personal information. Through the sharing of location, facial recognition, shopping habits and even personal communication between other individuals. This surveillance has caused lots of controversy between the citizens of the United States and the government as a violation of rights issue. 

With this it is important to protect and secure our personal data in any efficient way that we can by beginnings by securing how we communicate via encrypted platforms such as IMessage, WhatsApp and more. Encrypted communication doesn't allow anyone to access your conversations other than you and the recipients; therefore no company can access it. Another way to protect your privacy is by limiting location tracking through mobile apps and regularly review what apps on your devices you don't use anymore and delete them. App and website users must take active steps to protect the tracking of their data through their device settings in which controls what information websites collect.

This will forever be a continuous debate on the online privacy of society as technology as allowed for data to become permanent just like tattoos. it is important to stay informed and up to date with the latest's new and updates on government privacy laws and regulations. As well as advancements in technology to ensure your daily life and personal information stays private and secure.