Privacy, Online & Off

The privacy and protection of online users are being abused by high powers and dangerous people. In this post, I will be sharing my thoughts about four TED talks that each discuss a technology privacy invasion. These videos specifically touch on digital footprint, surveillance, wiretapping, and digital domestic violence. All of these issues are affecting Americans, and in some cases, regulations, laws, and general education should be placed to protect online users.

 

 In video one, speaker Juan Enriquez talks to the audience about big data, tattoos, immortality, and the Greeks. He connects all these pieces to the dangers of the long-lasting effects of technology. Enriquez voices that tattoos shout without any words, the same goes for an electronic tattoo. Enriquez defines an electronic tattoo as the imprint a user leaves behind for followers to see. He notes how these tattoos last longer than our bodies do. In my family and circle of people, we call this a digital footprint. Growing up as an athlete I've always been carefully advised what's appropriate and not appropriate to post with the understanding that what I post will stay online forever. An electronic tattoo/digital footprint doesn't just affect myself, but the programs I'm a part of and my family as well. It's important to me that I am representing myself in an appropriate light online for the sake of those in my life. I am lucky to have grown up understanding a deeper interpretation of electronic tattoos, but this is something that should be taught to society. As a nation, more education about digital footprint should be produced. 

Lastly, Enriquez made analogies to the Greeks and connected technology lessons. I thought these were very applicable to positive posting standards.

• Sisyphus: a king punished to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity.
• The Technology Connection: “Once you get that electronic tattoo you’re going to be rolling up and down for a long time.” -Enriquez

• Orpheus: Journeys to the Underworld to bring back his wife, he's not allowed to look at her, but he does and loses her. 
• The Technology Connection: With all the data out there it might be best not to look too far into those you love.
• Atalanta: A great runner who challenged that the man who beat her in a race could marry her. A man defeated her by throwing golden apples as a distraction.
• The Technology Connection: Don’t get distracted and post something you might regret later.
• Narcissus: He was very handsome but inconsiderate to the feelings of others.
• The Technology Connection: Don’t fall in love with your own reflection, and overshare. 

The second video is hosted by speaker Catherine Crump, she had points to make regarding the extensive and high-quality surveillance the government has over citizens. High-level surveillance has been passed down to local police operations making it very easy to locate, track, create a profile, and store data on anyone. Crump touches on the different tools that track us: license plate readers, everyday cameras, and cell towers. She seemed unhappy about how much information the government has on us. I believe it's great the government is taking advantage of technological advancements because I think it serves as a measure of protection.

I've spoken to the security team on campus here at High Point, and the team has a license plate reader that tracks every car that comes in and out of the gates on campus. This is a factor that makes me feel safe. I also appreciate the location services that are available to me, my friends, and my family. If I am ever worried about the people I care about I can easily track their phone to find their locations. Visa versa, if anyone is concerned about my whereabouts, I can be easily found. This makes me feel safe. 

In the third Ted Talk, speaker Christopher Soghoian discusses the dangers of wiretapping telephones. Soghoian brings up some points of concern regarding security in his speech. He uses an example of how easily telephones can be tapped in a situation in Greece. The Greek minister and a cabinet member were tapped by an unknown entity and data was stolen. If country leaders can be victimized by this, I am definitely at risk which is scary. The government should move toward utilizing encrypted, safe technology and express the importance of this to Americans. It's important individuals, companies, organizations, and the government are protected.

Lastly in the fourth video, speaker Darieth Chisolm shared a heartbreaking experience. She's a victim of digital domestic violence, meaning someone in her life couldn't physically harm her, so they posted exploiting photos of her online. Chisolm went through an expensive, complicated, and confusing road to receive justice. I was shocked to learn that there are no more laws regulating this and the punishment only consisted of hundreds of dollars for this crime. Her story also made me realize digital domestic violence can happen to anyone, even me or my friends and family. After hearing Chisolm's story, there should definitely be more laws in place to aid victims and make it an easier process to maneuver through. The DMCA is an organization that regulates online content, this is an organization that can help those affected. I didn't know much about digital domestic violence, but it is a serious conversation that requires more help from the government.