Online privacy is about having having control over what information a company or individual puts on the Internet. The ubiquity of wireless networking is one case where dozens of intruders might be lurking in the neighbourhood and 'digital loopholes' can pave way to users losing privacy. Erosion of privacy also rides well on the trendy social media.
While the better side of social-media and web technologies make life happier and more fulfilling, users can be left stark bare when invasion of privacy takes place.
Unauthorised access or leakage of personal data on the web in recent times raise concerns of privacy in the digital world.
Some users of social networks might be very surprised at how their information is used to mint cash through advertisements. In essence, such web based business reduces the idea of online privacy into an illusion.
Through social media networks users can share thoughts on various life issues, connect with friends and have fun.
Myspace, facebook, tagged and linked in are examples of of virtual meeting locations where people go voluntarily and share information.
It is in these viral meeting forums where millions distribute personal information, photos, ideas and thoughts.
Globally a social network like facebook has over 500 million users. A substantial of the users utilize the social media network in daily life activities.
In Social-networks, social psychology drives many users to join their peers in sharing information. Some end up forgetting aspects of privacy and the risks associated with the information and pictures they upload on the web. We take risks whenever we put our private data in the hands of another person online.
Additionally when an individual uploads private information on a social networking website and unfortunately the networks default program let's strangers access such data, it implies that there is lack of control and hence lack of privacy.
Although there are privacy settings which many users ignore. The same thing also happens when a neighbour snoops on your wireless network or even when someone spies on your mobile phone.
Companies also loose privacy when their online confidential information is accessed by strangers or criminals.
If someone cares deeply about privacy, then the modern digital world would be a place to live with caution. Many Internet users however can not fore go the better side of of social media.
Perhaps the best privacy some people expect after quitting social networks is a complete shut down without a trace. The reality of this is that there are some social networking sites that can horde information for for long even after a users belief that it has been deleted.
Social networks might not be the only technologies harvesting information from users. Even mobile service providers can as well use their customers data for location based advertisements.
While the better side of social-media and web technologies make life happier and more fulfilling, users can be left stark bare when invasion of privacy takes place.
Unauthorised access or leakage of personal data on the web in recent times raise concerns of privacy in the digital world.
Some users of social networks might be very surprised at how their information is used to mint cash through advertisements. In essence, such web based business reduces the idea of online privacy into an illusion.
Through social media networks users can share thoughts on various life issues, connect with friends and have fun.
Myspace, facebook, tagged and linked in are examples of of virtual meeting locations where people go voluntarily and share information.
It is in these viral meeting forums where millions distribute personal information, photos, ideas and thoughts.
Globally a social network like facebook has over 500 million users. A substantial of the users utilize the social media network in daily life activities.
In Social-networks, social psychology drives many users to join their peers in sharing information. Some end up forgetting aspects of privacy and the risks associated with the information and pictures they upload on the web. We take risks whenever we put our private data in the hands of another person online.
Additionally when an individual uploads private information on a social networking website and unfortunately the networks default program let's strangers access such data, it implies that there is lack of control and hence lack of privacy.
Although there are privacy settings which many users ignore. The same thing also happens when a neighbour snoops on your wireless network or even when someone spies on your mobile phone.
Companies also loose privacy when their online confidential information is accessed by strangers or criminals.
If someone cares deeply about privacy, then the modern digital world would be a place to live with caution. Many Internet users however can not fore go the better side of of social media.
Perhaps the best privacy some people expect after quitting social networks is a complete shut down without a trace. The reality of this is that there are some social networking sites that can horde information for for long even after a users belief that it has been deleted.
Social networks might not be the only technologies harvesting information from users. Even mobile service providers can as well use their customers data for location based advertisements.
In the social media world, regulations and rules that require internet companies to put user data privacy upfront will negatively to their business and developments aligned with online advertisements which is the primary revenue generator for social media sites.
But, as a neccesary evil, they are meant to be streamlined to suite the challenges of the current digital world.
I therefore pose the following questions for discussion and dialogue:
1.) Do we spit venom on the evil ones for daring to actually collect and use our information on social media networks?
2.) Do we accept social media and the internet as a neccessary evil especially in this day and age where it is used to grow networks, market careers and promote products and services?
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