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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.