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Online privacy: the fear and the solution

Guest post by: Rob Lawson

Article Overview: With all of the perks and benefits that come with the Internet - the easy networking ability, the access to real-time information from all of the world, the social media phenomenon, the way we can plan an entire day without leaving our desks - with all of these wonderfully convenient and appealing aspects of the online world, there is still that one dark cloud that seems forever to be hanging over the heads of web-users. The issue of online privacy - or more specifically, the lack thereof, seems to constantly be popping up in the evening news, at the office, and in millions of blogs the world over. So is it something we should all be worried about, or is it another needless concern?

Online privacy: the fear and the solution

With all of the perks and benefits that come with the Internet - the easy networking ability, the access to real-time information from all of the world, the social media phenomenon, the way we can plan an entire day without leaving our desks - with all of these wonderfully convenient and appealing aspects of the online world, there is still that one dark cloud that seems forever to be hanging over the heads of web-users. The issue of online privacy - or more specifically, the lack thereof, seems to constantly be popping up in the evening news, at the office, and in millions of blogs the world over. So is it something we should all be worried about, or is it another needless concern?

Do we care?

Many believe that the younger generation, or the digital natives, hold a blasé attitude to online privacy, not really worrying about who or what can access their home town, phone numbers, or general demographical information. Yet interestingly, a recent survey found that it is in fact the 18-35 year olds that are more likely to be tread the online privacy waters more carefully than their older peers. It seems that although the younger demographic may be more easygoing about posting private details across their social networking pages, they are also more likely to use the privacy settings in place to specifically dictate just who can access those private details. According to a PEW study, for example, only 6% of teens allow both their first and last names to be seen by the general public on social networks. Perhaps this is because many are only using social networking to keep in contact with already existing friends - and privacy settings are adapted so that no others outside their ‘friend' lists can access their information.

The Facebook fear factor

Unfortunately for Facebook, lately it has been making news headlines for all the wrong reasons. Viruses are making the rounds of Facebook pages, posing as ‘hilarious' video links that look to be posted on your wall by your friends, only to infect your computer and steal your log in details should you click on them. Facebook recently introduced new privacy settings to enable users to better control their online privacy, only to have a backlash of complaints that the new settings were too complicated, with users confused and concerned over how exactly their personal information was being used. There was even a ‘Quit Facebook Day' founded mid 2010 in an attempt to boycott the social networking site because of the online privacy issue, but that was met with a lukewarm response from the site's users. In May 2010, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's founder, released a statement declaring that new and improved privacy settings were on their way. With ‘privacy controls that are much simpler to use' and ‘an easy way to turn off all third-party services', Facebook are attempting to soothe their disgruntled users and put an end to the privacy breach rumours. A big concern that remains is that even though the privacy settings are easier to use, they are not set as default - in other words, until you actively seek out the privacy settings and change them yourself, your profile, information and photographs are available to the public. This means that if we want be private, we need to learn how to do it.

Holding us back

Social networking sites have also come under fire of late because of a number of terrible abductions and other crimes that have resulted from users falling for disguises online. Chat rooms have long been a worry for parents, giving anyone from anywhere in the world an outlet for direct communication with under-age Internet users. The other major privacy concern often stems from online purchasing. As e-commerce continues to boom, unfortunately, so too do the cases of identity theft, monetary theft and fraud. In fact, many believe that the one thing holding back the e-commerce industry is the lack of consumer privacy protection online.

Education is the key

So does all this mean that we should shut down our social networking pages and refuse to buy online? Interestingly, authorities often respond to public concerns over the dangers of the online world by advising users to simply hide any information and any personal details, or simply not use certain websites. However perhaps it is more realistic and sensible to advise Internet users to educate themselves on the privacy settings of the websites they frequent and use, and to be personally responsible and accountable as they participate in sharing online. Mark Zuckerberg believes that ‘people want to stay connected and share with those around them'. Users can do this without privacy fears if they take it upon themselves to be informed and to use the Internet responsibly. The online world has opened up phenomenal opportunities in the way of communication and global sharing, and although as with most things, this comes with its threats, we can use social networking sites and e-commerce without fear if we are responsible, clued-up and Internet savvy.

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