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Blog 4: Online Privacy

Online privacy initially referred to the concept of personal information not being made available to everyone online. Now this term replies to a variety of issues and there are many conflicting views of it. With the widespread use of social networks, photo sharing sites, and privacy policies from numerous websites being ignored, the lines between privacy and open access have become blurred.

Most people understand that anything they post online can be viewed by others. However, some people still are under the assumption that they're information and photos are protected by some sort of online privacy law or a website's promise not to sell their information. Although in reality it is incredibly easy for anyone to find out whatever they want about you online. And everything you post online can be considered part of a public domain. Cookies are also capable of tracking your online activity and can be easily activated on your computer.

Many feel its safe to say there is no such thing as online privacy anymore. The concept of privacy in general seems lost today. With just a name, phone number, or address its easy to access all kinds of information about someone online. Sites like http://www.spokeo.com/ allow you to track all of your e-mail contacts activity on major social network sites.

Despite the demise in online privacy, many people still believe they have a right to privacy and lawmakers continue to work for laws pertaining to protecting these rights. Groups like the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation have tried to present their case about the amount of liberties advertisers take with consumer's information. A bill on privacy with bipartisan support may also be introduced on Capitol hill according to Rick Broucher.

Sites like Aol already lay claim to all the information you post and can use it however they like. Facebook has a similar policy as do all social networking sites. Ads you accidentally click on and applications you accept also warn you that you are signing over the rights to everything you have on the site in their "accept these terms" box.

I think we have all become lazy about reading the terms of service and privacy policies, but we also conveniently forget we were warned. I feel the attempts being made at regulating online privacy are futile. There are already too many ways of getting around things and everyone should live by the principle of not putting anything online they would not put on a shirt they would wear to the grocery store.

Blog 3: Conflict in the Digital Age

Conflict digitally and online can be described as war conducted online. More simply put it encompasses things like viruses, worms, cyber espionage, web vandalism, propaganda, and equipment disruption. As you can gather from the names of the various methods that are all considered part of conflict, there is a varying level of danger and risk. Just the same, because we rely so heavily on the internet and all sorts of digital media equipment for the everyday functions of life, even the slightest glitches can cause significant problems. Anyone who has heard an announcement that starts with “We are sorry, but due to technical difficulties,” can attest to this. Viruses and hacking can be costly to us as individuals, but more significantly in the realm of government’s technology and things like air traffic control, issues like this threaten the security of entire countries.

Recently in Serbia, a gay and lesbian parade was called off due to the immense amount of pressure propagated by the country’s nationalists. The nationalists conducted a massive campaign to prevent the event from happening, and their favorite platform was Facebook. This of course proves the influence of the internet and social networks in organizing and promoting ideas. This can be viewed as one of the tools of conflict, propaganda.

This brings up the popular idea that the internet has created a means of breaking down the intelligence in government and politics. Some like Nicholas Negroponte have predicted the collapse of the nation state thanks to the internet. He believes that the availability of the internet allows activists to network, get their voice heard, and influence politics although they are just average citizens with strong viewpoints.

Although this uprising of powerful activists getting their way and denying the actual government the ability to make decisions that stand; there is another angle. Initially many people would view this idea of the people having more of a say as a positive happening, but there is also potential for a much darker occurrence. If the intelligent, respected individuals can create these powerhouses; so can the intelligent, criminals and fanatics. Gangs already have begun using the internet to intimidate one another by posting videos on YouTube. Countries like Russia and China, who have long been known for their effective cyber warfare, have learned the value of starting off small and on the down low. There attacks are effective because of their ability to organize significant “gangs of cyber-criminals”. Therefore, although we automatically think that all the political and social networks and groups that gain effectiveness online are good for the common goal of the people’s voice being heard; it is incredibly essential to also be aware of the potential dangers.

The digital divide is closing

The digital divide is defined as the difference between those who have access to the Internet and technology the knowledge to use it effectively and those who do not. Recently, this gap is being closed, as Internet access is easier to obtain as well as less expensive. It has also become more accessible from libraries and restaurants. Just the same libraries are increasingly finding that even when they provide internet access, people still aren’t interested in using the library.

Recently, for example, Philadelphia considered closing all of their public libraries, but the Knight Foundation is working to establish libraries as centers for media and technology use and education. The goal of the foundation is to provide internet access for free as well as information on how to effectively use the internet for job hunting with job centers. Issues also arise when libraries provide internet access because of homeless people who use the computers but are viewed as threatening to patrons as well as people who look at pornography. Many restaurants now provide free Wi-Fi internet as long as you purchase something.

Overall, I believe the digital divide is rapidly closing. You can purchase unlimited Wi-Fi internet for approximately $25-30 a month. Even without this access in your home there are various options for obtaining internet access still available. Although inconvenient you can still go through dial-up and get 10 hours a month free from Juno like my parents. More realistically you can go to most public libraries, get Wi-Fi at school or work, buy something from McDonalds or many other restaurants, or even locate hotspots in public areas like parks in some counties.

Also according to statistics from June, 74.1% of the U.S. population is on-line. Worldwide programs like the $100 dollar laptops for children in 3^rd world countries are helping bridge the gap, while countries in Asia and Europe have already surpassed the U.S. In terms of the gap between minorities as early as 2006, there was only a 13% difference between the number of whites online versus blacks.

As a college student access to free Wi-Fi is rarely an issue. For the rest of the population with a little effort you can find affordable internet access for their home or a place to go to get it for free. As far as learning how to use technology resources effectively, there are more and more classes for seniors on how to do so and usually everyone knows at least one person they can ask for help.

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Wisconsin Paper involved in the Debate Concerning Anonymity for On-line Writers

A Wisconsin paper got in some hot water after exposing a reader’s true identity. The reader posted comments about a small town politician, Dean Zuleger. The anonymous writer made negative comments regarding the politician, aimed at his weight along with more serious issues. When Zuleger demanded to know who wrote the comments the paper revealed the writer’s identity. This references the debate over whether or not writers and bloggers should be allowed to remain anonymous.

Obviously this correlates with individuals who use the internet as a means of carving out a new identity. Many find themselves more comfortable with the persona they create. The ever popular Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace all reflect this current trend to be who you want to be online. With the freedom of anonymity, many feel they can “speak their mind” or lash out however they want.

The on-going debate is focused on whether or not anonymity should be allowed at all or in what instances. The Wisconsin paper apologized to the writer for giving his e-mail address to the politician and re-established their privacy policy for anonymous writers. Unless court-ordered, they promise to keep anonymous writer’s identity hidden.

Personally I feel that many times as in this example the posts written and their writers definitely fall into the category of people who are striving to re-invent their reflective identity. The person who stays online all day and has time to read all kinds of blogs and articles and then leave dramatic comments on them is not truly a force to be reckoned with. Therefore, I find it amusing that a politician would be so bothered by such a ridiculous comment, that he demand to know who wrote it.

Regardless of that, I feel that if you feel your opinion or comment is important enough to be read by others you should also be taking responsibility for it. If you want everyone to know what you think about something then logically you would also want them to know who you are. I believe the problem occurs because these writers are so involved in being someone significant online, know they are not that bold or significant in real life. Therefore, they hide behind masks of gallant speeches in written form. However, they do not want anyone to see them for who they really are.

Because the people writing these comments usually aren’t extremely educated or prominent it is ridiculous for the people being attacked by them to be worried about it. At the same time the authors of the post ought to be able to say things that they wouldn’t have a problem saying in public in real life, instead of hiding behind an inflated persona online.