Premium Essay

Internet Privacy

In: Business and Management

Submitted By JohnDi
Words 4923
Pages 20
Internet Privacy

Abstract
As more and more people continue to use the Internet and disclose their personal information, privacy concerns are paramount. Marketing companies are fiercely competing for their share of the booming e-commerce industry estimated at 75 billion dollars in 2010. Government agencies after 9/11 are using personal communications such as e-mail and social networking sites to scrutinize and evaluate potential threats to the United States. Legislation including the Patriot Act has empowered a new generation of public officials with information gathering capabilities on demand. In some cases a court order is not needed to inspect all of a person’s electronic communications. Exploitation of highly sensitive personal information is a reality as companies routinely sell this information to third parties without an individual’s consent. Opting out is a disclaimer written into privacy statements on websites that are often buried in the fine print. Many Americans assume that privacy is included in the operating system they purchase. It is the collating of personal information from multiple data sources on the Internet that remains a key point of contention among those who view privacy as fundamental American right implicit in the Constitution. In this sense, privacy is deeply personal to the dignity and respect of our society. Yet, the relevance of security issues must seek a balance and address the notion of the possibility of abuse. One significant question follows. Who is watching the people who are watching us? Hence, there is a need for standardization of Internet technologies as well a comprehensive global online policy framework. To be sure, an audience that understands basic online privacy issues will be empowered to learn more. Once a critical perspective regarding the lack of checks and balances is revealed, the reader may find

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