Privacy. Its a frequent topic that arises in relation to the internet. We all want privacy and security when we use the internet, but do we deserve it? When you start to consider all the information we freely put on the internet, is it in our rights to expect privacy?
Consider Facebook. Everyday, thousands of people log onto Facebook and upload information, whether it be through status updates, photos, videos, comments, etc. Even with the highest 'security' settings that Facebook offers, all this information is still on the internet, waiting for people to find it and access it. Even if we delete things, it is still floating around in cyberspace.
A lot of people upload information onto the internet, without considering what they are actually telling people. How many times has one of your friends updated their Facebook or Twitter status, talking about their amazing European jaunt. While you may be extremely jealous of your friend having a wonderful time in Europe, there is a worrying thing about these status updates - other people using the internet now know that your friend isnt home. A controversial website has popped up called Please Rob Me where individual's location twitter updates have been aggregated that reveal they are not at home. Whilst this website is not currently active, it is a wakeup call to many people about how what they post in a 'safe' environment can have negative impacts.
So the question I ask is this - Do we deserve privacy when we are the ones who are putting the information onto the internet?
I leave you with a warning - be careful with what you post on the internet, you dont know who is viewing and using the information.
Here's a very real example of someone who was burgled as a result of their Twitter updates. But don't forget, you have the choice - nobody is forcing you to tell the world what you are doing.
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