Blog Post 7

Internet Privacy

    The internet can be a scary place. People always say that once you put something online, it's there forever even if you delete it. Nowadays, even if you try to refrain from using social media or keep your info private online, you still leave a digital trail. Just walking around outside can create a digital footprint thanks to facial recognition software. Along with photos, your digital footprint is created by using your credit score, Wikipedia searches, or even your Yelp reviews. Basically, everything we do online gets tracked, and companies can buy and analyze that data. Unless we no longer use the internet, hide from every camera, and only use cash, we're always going to be monitored through our digital footprints.

   The tech in our U.S. cities is seriously top notch. It can follow our every move, figure out what we're up to, and even guess where we're headed next. It's like something out of a spy movie happening in our own backyards. Take automatic license plate readers, for example, are meant to catch the criminals - those with outstanding warrants.  Those same devices are also watching regular folks. You might find yourself on a watch list just because of where you go or what you do, even if you're not doing anything wrong.

    Simply carrying our cell phones means we're sort of being stalked. Whenever our phones connect with cell towers, there is a map of where we've been. Though a purpose may be served, you have to wonder the reason law enforcement needs to know everyone's whereabouts at all times. We're supposed to have freedom in America, but if you're always being spied on, it feels like that freedom isn't so free after all.

    If we change how we browse the internet just a little, we can get more privacy online. Let's chat about cookies. You know, those tiny things that websites ask about letting in? They're bits of info sent from your device to the website's server when you visit. They claim it's to improve your browsing, but it's really a sneaky way for companies to spy on what you're up to online and make a profile of you based on what you like and do. Saying no to cookies can help boost our digital privacy a bit.