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Personal information is very valuable in today’s digital world. During my time on the Web this past week, I purchased a pair of sneaker online and most likely the information I used during checkout is all stored on the companies database. The information submitted includes, Name, address, age from the account created, phone number, and credit card information.

Although we want our information to be kept private, it is not possible in this digital age. Therefore I don’t mind certain information of mine being shared for marketing purposes, such as name and age but credit card information is the type of information that I feel nervous about entering online because it can be hacked and is more valuable than the rest for me personally. And when companies track your movement and use your credit card information without you knowing, then it becomes an issue that is crossing the boundaries of privacy. For Example in this Article, it talks about Uber tracking its drivers movement and using customers credit card information to see if they have any ties with governmental agencies. Also when you don’t know when you are being watched or tracked, it creates a different persona in a person and instills fear of being under constant watch. For example Foucault sharing the example of the British prison model which is how today we are still observed. “At the heart of Bentham’s ‘panopticon’ was the recognition that the best way to controlling the behaviour of prison inmates was to give them the impression that they were under constant observation” (Pg 212).

According to Mark Andrejevic, digital surveillance is used by companies where the information on their customers becomes valuable to other parties. “Information that may eventually be sold to third parties or used by marketers for targeted advertising campaigns” (Andrejevic, 2). Also Andrejevic provides us with example where he suggests, how digital transactions generates more information being shared as to in person transaction which gives you an option to pay for goods and service with cash where no information is being shared. I agree with this concept because it is true but I believe online transaction are more favored today because of its convenience over in person transaction.

When searching online on Google, I am aware of Ad based search results, which are often the first one or two results with a small “AD” symbol. I try to not click those link because then whatever I searched will pop up on other sites which include advertisements. But in terms of illegal download, I use to download music online illegally but now for me music streaming service is much more convenient and gives me access to broader selection of music. And for protection I have an anti virus software where it warns me before entering a potential risky websites.

1. In terms of Digital surveillance, is there any positive outcome for the consumer, when companies share information with other parties? or is it only beneficial for the companies involved in this exchange?
2. We know our information is being shared with other parties but yet still continue to perform transactions online, Why do you think we continue? Do you think we have a choice or is this the consequence we have to face in using the internet?