Using the internet in the privacy of our own home or office is a great benefit to many people. The internet has given people the opportunity to communicate easily with people across the world, gain information by the click of a button about certain topics and many issues in the news; however, along with this mass flow of information, come peoples private information. Many people are aware of hackers out on the web that are searching to uncover private information but because this information is so easily accessible, many times people are not educated enough about what is appropriate and inappropriate to put on the web.
Protecting ourselves form predators and keeping private information from others has always been a concern on the internet. There have been many issues involved with identity theft, fraudulent charges to bank accounts, as well as stalkers and dangerous predators. It is important to be aware of these unfortunate facts and what it takes to protect ones self and their private information. It’s very easy to be deceived on the internet and it’s a problem facing the World Wide Web every day. I will take a look into the down sides of using the internet, such as deception, trust, and identity threats that people are faced with when exposed on the internet.
There is no doubt that the internet has brought fascinating aspects to our culture, making life easier and much more convenient. Of course nothing this good could be flaw free. There are many downsides to the exposure a person gets when using the web. There is a constant tension when people surf the internet. A person could feel completely safe or anonymous in the sense that he or she might feel that no one can see what they are doing on the web. But in reality, people should assume that anyone has access to this information. Private information is easily accessible through a person’s email, what a person downloads, spam, chat rooms, and there may even be information already published on the web (Office of the Privacy Commissioner, 2001).
Privacy
When shopping on the web, I always feel very uneasy when I enter my credit card number into the web site. After pressing the enter key, I feel like any one could get those numbers and have a hay day with what is left in my bank account (which isn’t much). There are many aspects of people’s lives that they keep private. Credit card numbers and social security numbers is information held close to the individual. In a recent study, research found that 84% of Americans are concerned of becoming victims of identity theft. (The number one sign of trust on the internet, 2006). But the internet is not a controlled environment. Privacy is governed by a law, and yes, the government is not allowed to surveillance anyone with out reasonable cause, however, hackers are not “government” they are mostly thieves and are willing to do anything to make some money and gain power.
Privacy protection has developed greatly as the internet develops with years. “Computer technology and digital media have not only increased the capacity to collect, process and use professional information, but have also deeply changed the dynamics surrounding personal information and privacy protection” (Woo, J. 2006 p. 953). There are many instances when people create their own solutions, such as deception. People feel that if someone doesn’t really know who you are, then their privacy is masked. Some feel it’s their right to privacy and identity concealment.
Protecting ourselves form predators and keeping private information from others has always been a concern on the internet. There have been many issues involved with identity theft, fraudulent charges to bank accounts, as well as stalkers and dangerous predators. It is important to be aware of these unfortunate facts and what it takes to protect ones self and their private information. It’s very easy to be deceived on the internet and it’s a problem facing the World Wide Web every day. I will take a look into the down sides of using the internet, such as deception, trust, and identity threats that people are faced with when exposed on the internet.
There is no doubt that the internet has brought fascinating aspects to our culture, making life easier and much more convenient. Of course nothing this good could be flaw free. There are many downsides to the exposure a person gets when using the web. There is a constant tension when people surf the internet. A person could feel completely safe or anonymous in the sense that he or she might feel that no one can see what they are doing on the web. But in reality, people should assume that anyone has access to this information. Private information is easily accessible through a person’s email, what a person downloads, spam, chat rooms, and there may even be information already published on the web (Office of the Privacy Commissioner, 2001).
Privacy
When shopping on the web, I always feel very uneasy when I enter my credit card number into the web site. After pressing the enter key, I feel like any one could get those numbers and have a hay day with what is left in my bank account (which isn’t much). There are many aspects of people’s lives that they keep private. Credit card numbers and social security numbers is information held close to the individual. In a recent study, research found that 84% of Americans are concerned of becoming victims of identity theft. (The number one sign of trust on the internet, 2006). But the internet is not a controlled environment. Privacy is governed by a law, and yes, the government is not allowed to surveillance anyone with out reasonable cause, however, hackers are not “government” they are mostly thieves and are willing to do anything to make some money and gain power.
Privacy protection has developed greatly as the internet develops with years. “Computer technology and digital media have not only increased the capacity to collect, process and use professional information, but have also deeply changed the dynamics surrounding personal information and privacy protection” (Woo, J. 2006 p. 953). There are many instances when people create their own solutions, such as deception. People feel that if someone doesn’t really know who you are, then their privacy is masked. Some feel it’s their right to privacy and identity concealment.
Protecting your privacy on the internet. 2001. Office of Privacy Commissioner.
http://www.privacy.gov.au/internet/internet_privacy/.
http://www.privacy.gov.au/internet/internet_privacy/.
Woo, J. (2006). The right not to be identified: privacy and anonymity in the interactive
media environment. New Media & Society. Sage Publications, 8, 949-967.
media environment. New Media & Society. Sage Publications, 8, 949-967.
The number one sign of trust on the internet. (2006). Internet Security National Survey, 3.
http://www.verisign.com/static/013506.pdf
http://www.verisign.com/static/013506.pdf
6 comments:
How can you tell if your credit card information is safe online, or which sites are secured sites?
People deceive others online everyday whether it be to protect their identity, mess with someone, or hurt someone. Do you think that deception online is one of the main reasons people get caught up in dangerous acts and put in situations where they could be in danger such as older men posing as younger guys wanting to meet younger women?
I was a victim of identitiy theft twice, (possibly credit card information given online), aside from using a computer in the privacy of your own home, is there any other steps individuals can take to assist in recognizing and spotting a fraud.
Using the internet to buy items is a concern of mine as well. I avoid buying things online because of I don't feel safe putting my credit card number out there. How many others do you think feel the way that you and I feel about using our credit card and Social Security numbers online? Does the idea of identity theft and hackers online keep people from using the internet to purchase things?
While researching, did you find anything that suggests what not to post on the internet? What is "safe" to post and what isn't? I know the obvious things, like our social security number but is there something that would surprise some of us?
Hi Jessica, loved your lit review! I was wondering about the instance of identity theft, or someone finding and using your private information online. Do you know how often these crimes occur? Should we just avoid using our personal information altogether? Perhaps some people use false information for this reason--to prevent their real information from being stolen/used against them?
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