How many times do you bother reading the privacy terms? Do you know that the terms and conditions you didn’t read could be part of your complacency in having your privacy misused? It is time you know that there could be a third eye having a good share of your interaction with the internet. The information contained in most companies regarding terms and conditions could be long and tiring to read but perhaps it could be an intentional ploy to surveil on you. However, you have the power at your finger tips before hitting the “Accept” or “Agree” button by reading the whole privacy terms next time.
From the documentary it is evident that the economic systems conspire with the system of the government to surveil our interaction over the internet. Many corporate companies such as Facebook and Google are collaborating with the government to have our information shared. These companies purposely make their privacy terms lengthy and in most cases an average person readily accepts the terms without knowing its content. Moreover, the online shops we visit often sell our information to the government against our wish in the name of “threat” to national security. Government agencies are increasingly becoming friendly with the social networks in which they readily collaborate with one another in sharing our personal information.
It’s unfortunate that power is distributed unevenly in this society. The government being the powerful part of this society can afford to persuade companies to sell it our personal information without our consent. We as the ordinarily people we are thrown out of this deal with little power to negotiate for our privacy since the trust we accord those companies is being undermined by the influence of the powerful facets of our society. Hence, with the uneven distribution of power, our well being and freedom is negatively impacted with the gradual loss of our privacy.
Shocking facts from the documentary:
- The Tom-Tom has been selling their consumer information in helping the police in Netherlands to set up speed traps, an indication of companies sharing our information with the surveillance agencies.
- The installation of Carrier IQ software in every Smartphone that can keep us virtually tracked by capturing every single key stroke, often used by the FBI, which is utterly a violation of our privacy.
- The ability of the government to red flag everything we search online such as a writer who was red flagged for searching on ways to develop his show as a potential murderer.
It is really prudent to read diligently to what we are consenting to by ensuring that next time we remember to read the privacy terms with the companies we interact with under the increasing mass surveillance. Nonetheless, it is worrying knowing how our privacy is gradually dying in the face of increasing mass surveillance in this digital era.
Questions
- How often do you read the privacy policy before pressing the “Accept” or “Agree” button?
- What actions are you going to take in regard to your online behaviour after knowing your information are being shared?
I also found that story shocking, I now wonder why google maps always sends me through tolls as the best route. To answer your questions:
1) No, i dont read the privacy policy. But here’s why, it is very hard to comprehend and also very vague. Facebook incorporated new help desk and also what it appears to be a very user friendly settings. Even as it is, its hard to comprehedn. They state they “may” share your information with a third party. Which could mean they will or they will not do it, and also who is the third party?
2) I think the best thing to do is present your best persona everywhere you go, because in reality you never really know who’s wathcing.
Your blogpost is very informative, great job! “The installation of Carrier IQ software in every Smartphone that can keep us virtually tracked by capturing every single key stroke, often used by the FBI, which is utterly a violation of our privacy.” – that was very interesting and shocking for me as well. Yes, it is a violation of our civil right, but we all understand that nothing would change.
Honestly, I never read any privacy policies before pressing “accept” bottom. However, I do not see the point of doing it, because I do not understand at least 70% of what they are trying to say. Do you? I think you need to graduate some very fancy law school in order to figure out these policies.
Honestly, I normally do not read the privacy terms due to it being a long length. After reading this article, I will most likely be hesitant with sharing as much info online.
1. I never read the terms & conditions on anything, and I don’t really intend to because even if I decline, I am missing out on the service. Everyone gives their rights away, I would only be spiting myself.
2. I will more than likely not be any different with the way that I go online. The documentary is enlightening but I don’t have anything to hide.
I agree with what you’re saying. I think we should always be wary about what we sign up to, but frankly I have never actually read the terms and conditions before.. perhaps I should do so now. Now that I know how closely I am being surveilled, I will try to be professional with what I am saying. Last thing I want is to be arrested for a comment I posted!