With the rise of technology, it has become more difficult to preserve personal privacy in today's society.
The loss of privacy among individuals has worsened due to various factors in the era of technological advancements. The Internet is one such factor that has played a significant role in exacerbating this issue. Social networking sites have become a fertile ground for hackers who exploit them to invade people's privacy and expose personal information without consent. Additionally, internet blogs have emerged as another problem, potentially revealing sensitive details that cyber criminals can utilize for their nefarious activities. Renowned figure Whitfield Diffie, holding a doctorate in Technical Sciences, highlights online banking as yet another concerning development where customers engage in transactions and enter pin numbers online, increasing their vulnerability to identity theft (Diffie).
The development of technological devices has m
...ade it simpler for privacy to be invaded. Tiny hidden cameras can be used to stalk individuals without their knowledge. Cell phones now have small cameras and video cameras that can instantly share pictures on social networking sites like "FaceBook" and "MySpace." Furthermore, these devices can store personal information such as credit card details, personal emails, and links to social networking sites. If these devices are stolen, individuals are at risk of identity theft (Diffie).
Government policies focused on safeguarding privacy also have problematic implications. Surveillance cameras placed on city streets have proven effective in catching criminals and reducing crime rates. However, many people view this as an infringement on their privacy. Local news often highlights individuals who strongly oppose these cameras out of concern that they are being targeted by the government. Renowned author, scientist, and speaker David Brin discusses another
invasive method employed by the government.
Phone tapping and tracking internet searches are two popular methods used by the government to invade the privacy of the public in America. This invasion of personal lives is considered a security issue and raises concerns about the protection of privacy in the face of technological advancements (Brin).
Brin suggests that privacy contracts have exemptions, privacy software is not completely effective in safeguarding one's privacy, and government-run privacy protection laws do not apply universally. These factors exemplify the ongoing challenge of maintaining privacy with advancing technology. On the Internet, individuals remain anonymous to others. There is a possibility of encountering individuals with harmful intentions such as pedophiles or mentally unstable individuals. The social networking site "MySpace" has received criticism for its inadequate chat room protection. Despite offering options to make profiles private, these options are often hard to locate due to frequent updates. In 2006, a 14-year-old girl entered a chat room while using "MySpace".
Marius Oiga, a cyber genius and technology news editor, uncovered a disturbing case involving a girl who started communicating with a boy claiming to be her high school senior at the age of 19. Shockingly, it was later revealed that the boy, identified as Solis, never attended her school. Instead, he sexually abused and raped her. This incident highlights the alarming lack of protection provided by the Internet, as many similar cases have emerged where young girls have allegedly been kidnapped and raped by individuals they have met online. Seeking justice, the victim in this particular story has filed a lawsuit against both Solis and "MySpace" for the immense pain and suffering she endured. She is seeking
a hefty 30 million dollars from "MySpace" and a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail for Solis (Oiaga).
Regardless of the availability of privacy settings, it appears that there is constantly a method to bypass them, thus emphasizing how vulnerable privacy is to technology. The problem of false identity is becoming more prevalent on websites nowadays. In 2010, an individual in Wales was convicted for posing as a teenage boy and enticing a 14-year-old girl. This information comes from Dave Wieneke, an accomplished online marketing expert and certified project management professional. People are increasingly leveraging the anonymity offered by the Internet and advancing technology to hide their true identities, making it nearly impossible to maintain privacy. These concerns stem from the limitless nature of the Internet brought about by technological progress. Both these incidents clearly illustrate that storing or sharing personal financial, social, or health information on the Internet carries significant risks.
Blogging websites have exposed the vulnerability of people's privacy, leading to potential harm. A particular website called "Beenverified.com" offers the public access to individuals' private and personal details for a fee of $70 for a 96-day membership. Promising to safeguard and protect its users, the website actually enables anyone to obtain information about another person, benefiting from hackers who exploit such data for illicit purposes (Background Check).
David Holtzman, a respected digital pioneer and chief scientist at IBM's Internet Information technical group, highlights the emerging clash over privacy in the online realm. This conflict arises from the distinction between fully public actions with identifiable figures versus anonymous activities and speech. In this context, online involvement can be broadly categorized into three areas: financial transactions, browsing,
and communication.
Each area has its own parameters and level of user identification, leading to controversy and confusion when attempting to apply a single naming policy (Holtzman). This quote offers a clearer explanation of the privacy crisis: as people upload personal information on supposedly secure sites, they unknowingly browse on unsecure sites. Linking these internet sites can make individuals vulnerable to identity theft (Diffie).
Holtzman emphasized the importance of restricting the Internet to three main purposes: financial transactions, browsing, and communication (Holtzman). He argued that technology should be categorized and regulated within these three areas. This approach would make it easier to address specific issues in each category without causing confusion (Holtzman). Although Holtzman offers a solution to the privacy and technology challenge, he ultimately concludes that compromise is impossible; one side must accept the consequences of technological progress.
The risk of identity theft has risen as a result of the Internet's expansion and its convenience for online transactions, particularly with the widespread use of credit cards. Jonathan Zittrain, a professor at Harvard Law School and co-founder of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society, warns that hackers can easily acquire personal information from online sources, leaving unsuspecting individuals vulnerable to identity theft. Zittrain's research shows a 22 percent rise in cases of identity theft since 2007, affecting nearly 10 million individuals.
The increase in identity theft is largely attributed to technological advancement. Before 2007, it was not possible to upload credit card information and use an iPhone as a credit card. Another aspect of privacy invasion is the ability to stalk someone discreetly due to advancements in technology. The National Academies Press research mentions that the development of
cellular devices poses a threat to privacy as everything can be captured, sent, and shared using just one device (Council). According to the official website of BlackBerry, the BlackBerry Bold model has features that allow taking pictures, sending them, and sharing them on Facebook (Smartphones). These capabilities have created unsafe situations for individuals as they can be unknowingly filmed and have their pictures appear on social networking sites, exposing their face to the Internet and the world (Council).
According to Anne Cheung, a doctor and professor at the University of Hong Kong and a leading researcher in Internet privacy, privacy should extend beyond concepts like seclusion, isolation, or intimacy. It should also include measures to protect an individual's identity. This infringement occurs when someone is constantly observed and surveilled, subjected to continuous scrutiny, and compelled to maintain an accessible and searchable Internet profile that can be viewed by anyone (Cheung 194). Cheung acknowledges that people are being watched and recorded without their knowledge due to advancing technology. Privacy concerns are not only increasing in the United States but also globally. The widespread use of the Internet allows for vast opportunities to collect, store, share, and compare personal information which is causing anxiety among consumers (Council).
Cameras are miniaturized specifically for the purpose of invading privacy. In 2009, a highly publicized incident involved Erin Andrews, a newswoman for ESPN network, who was secretly filmed in her dressing room while changing clothes. Numerous media outlets reported on this incident, which involved the use of a tiny camera that could be inserted into a doorknob keyhole. The peeper filmed Andrews and subsequently shared the footage on the Internet (FBI).
The severe
embarrassment and violation Andrews experienced was a horrific event, highlighting the issue of privacy. While technological advancements are beneficial, privacy is equally crucial. However, past and recent incidents indicate that there is an imbalance between technological progress and safeguarding privacy. Additionally, governmental policies carry significant weight in relation to personal privacy, both positively and negatively impacting the level of protection.
Monitoring systems have both aided in the apprehension of criminals and created a perception that individuals are under constant government surveillance (Brin). These devices, while effective in catching lawbreakers, have also been misused, leaving individuals uncertain about who is monitoring their activities and instilling fear due to the invasion of their privacy. Brin points out that even darkness no longer ensures privacy (2). Furthermore, another aspect of governmental policies that triggers anger is the government's ability to intercept phone conversations without consent (Council). Consequently, every action performed by the public may be subject to monitoring, albeit sometimes serving a beneficial purpose.
The advancement in technology has led to a compromise of public privacy in the interest of safety, with many individuals unaware of government surveillance. According to Vikas Bajaj from the New York Times, even simple searches on platforms like "Google" can be traced back to the user's computer. Bajaj argues that while this monitoring is necessary for identifying potential terrorists, it also violates people's privacy (Bajaj). Furthermore, airports throughout the United States have introduced full-body scanners as a security measure against terrorist attacks. This technological development is discussed by Jeffrey Rosen, a law professor at George Washington University.
According to Rosen, the progress of machinery for national security brings both benefits and concerns regarding public privacy. Initially,
there was outrage over the introduction of these machines. However, as time passed, it became a common invasion of privacy that society has accepted. This showcases society's inclination to relinquish privacy in light of technological advancements. The leading provider of surveillance equipment systems supports this perspective by asserting that sacrificing privacy is vital for technological advancement. Holtzman agrees, stating that the balance between national security and privacy heavily favors security. This shift is crucial for ensuring people's safety. Nevertheless, Holtzman cautions that if governmental policies fail to protect everyone, it becomes a cause for concern.
The government asserts that privacy laws apply to all individuals, despite the challenges posed by advancing technologies. According to Amatai Etzione, a Sociology professor at Columbia University with a Ph.D., privacy laws were updated in 2002 following the events of September 11th but have proven insufficient in protecting everyone. The intention behind privacy laws is to bolster security in relation to the disclosure of personal information. However, when these laws and privacy agreements are not adhered to, advancements in technology enable personal information to be disseminated without the individual's consent (Council). William Jackson, a renowned author and senior writer at GCN, provides insights into the issues surrounding privacy laws.
According to Jackson, a federal advisory board, the Privacy Act of 1974 is outdated and inadequate in addressing how agencies handle personal information and protect individuals' privacy. The board states that although the act's principles of fair information practices are still relevant, it fails to address current technology realities or effectively safeguard against privacy threats. The act was created during an era dominated by centralized mainframe computing and has not been updated to
keep up with technological advancements. This highlights the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technology advancements and further emphasizes the issue of privacy in relation to technology.
These advanced technologies are the foundation of new methods for gathering and managing information, which have significant impacts on various aspects of society. They serve as intermediaries for privacy and public communication, interaction, and transactions, thus becoming vital elements of the modern infrastructure. Some individuals argue that these technologies are intruding into their personal lives (Council). In today's technologically advanced society, maintaining privacy has become impossible due to the progress of the Internet, advancements in cellular devices, ineffective government policies, and the inability to safeguard privacy against these developments. "The implementation of newer, smarter, more advanced technology will inevitably lead to compromises in privacy" (Surveillance).
