Is personal privacy passé?
Does it even exist, or is it more of an illusion that harkens back to the days before the World Wide Web? I’m not sure. It seems as though there is a new privacy concern every day. Perhaps, the days of guarding “personal” information are over. Perhaps we are moving into an age where we cannot, and should not, have information that is off-limits? If technology is unable to keep up with technology, and the legal system isn’t even sure how to prosecute breeches, maybe we should take the hint that it is time to let go.
The Associated Press recently reported on a smart phone (iPhone and Android) security issue. Apparently, according to a group called Lookout Inc., somewhere between 25 and 50 percent of smart phone apps contain software code that pulls the user information and ships it off to third parties without notifying the user. The information being sent can include text messages, photos and Internet search histories. The information is used for target advertising, but also then becomes more vulnerable to hackers.
Yes, users are usually told when installing an application that their information may be shared; but, how many people read and understand the fine print? Most folks click “I accept” so they can start using their new app as soon as possible. Another issue is that many users don’t understand all of the information an app needs to access to run. They may not realize that running “x” app may make their pictures fair game.
I don’t fault the companies making the apps as they gave the user fair warning. I don’t fault the user for become so desensitized to the fine print that they don’t retain. So, if no one is to blame, how can we blame anyone?
If there wasn’t “protected” personal information, the gentleman who collected 100 million unique Facebook names and information wouldn’t be making news. Maybe we’ll begin seeing “free information” campaigns alongside those of legalized drugs and gun control? Don’t think so? Me neither, but the ramifications are interesting to think about…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38463013/ns/technology_and_science-security/
